Apparently no-one is starting a 2018 thread, but I just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying watching the race.
(My sleep patterns are messed up, it's too hot to sleep, I know almost nothing about bicycle racing, except that winning 'the yellow jersey' is a big deal.)
However, the length of the race, broken into stages, is cool to watch. I like the way the commentators have time to explain stuff - racers' prior histories, who's injured, what techniques work, and what will get you penalized (drafting behind other racers - good strategy, drafting behind your team car to pull you ahead of the other racers - breaking the rules.) Unlike horse racing, it's not a big build-up then over in a couple of minutes.
There's time to enjoy the scenery of the backroads of France, the little towns where this is the event of the year. The mountains, the downhills, the vistas of farmland. The crowds of French people stationing themselves at strategic spots along the roads. Some with picnics, some with elaborate banners, and some crowds so thick on the actual route that I'm surprised the organizers don't have more of those barriers up. The fans who have written encouragement to the racers on the road itself. The little children running to keep up with the racers for a bit. The strain on the racer's faces, the hand reaching out for a bottle of water.
Unlike other sports, where one pitch is identical to the next.
And, Go, Wales, and Go, Poland! (I love being Canadian - no dog in the fight!)
Tomorrow, on to Paris!