This evening was the start of the Tour festivities with the team presentations in Trafalgar Square. We got to the square a couple hours early and grabbed a decent viewing spot. It was a little far away from the stage but we had a clear view and we could at least sit while we waited.
I wasn't really sure what to expect since they don't typically televise the team presentations in the US. The event started out with a DJ "spinning" (he had two CD decks and a mixer) to get things going. When he finished, there were presentations of various cycling groups and they also paraded some different kinds of bikes across the stage. They had some old bikes, new bikes, and unusual bikes. Later the mayor of London and the director of The Tour came out and chatted before bringing out the hosts for the presentations.
The teams came out one by one and the riders were introduced. There was, of course, loud applause for the British riders but even Americans like George Hincapie were welcomed loudly. Unsprisingly, there was no mention of Floyd Landis (who's verdict was rumored to be coming out today).
After the final team was presented (local favorite, Bradly Wiggins' Cofidis team), a band started playing and the crowd dispersed. Tomorrow is the prologue, and I hope to get a good viewing spot.
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