Le Tour - final stage!

In my little bubble, escaping from the rubbish stuff that is going on around the world, I switch in the TV to watch the coverage of the final stage of the Tour de France. And what do I find? The women's race, called La Course, which has been taking place since 2014 and which was heralded as another small victory for women's liberation. 

How sexist is the Tour anyway? Well, this morning there was an article about Adam Yates, winner of the Best Young Rider classification, a young man from Bury in Greater Manchester. He belongs to a club called Bury Clarion Club, formed at the start of the 20th century. Here's a little excerpt, regarding women on bikes: 
"One January day in 1901 seven fearless women saddled up, adjusted their flowing skirts and straw boaters and pedalled slowly through Bury's streets. They were greeted by local people, shouting "shame" and "hussies" as well as booing children, who ran alongside." 

So, considering that the Tour has been going since a time when ladies on bikes were regarded as rather shocking, I suppose it's fairly understandable that it has been a male preserve for so long. And while I can understand the women shouting for parity, personally I would not want to compete against those men. After all, Wimbledon has separate competitions for men and women. Women's football teams don't play against the men. You have to accept that there is a physical difference. So if I were a lady racing cyclist, I would be happy with a high profile race in Paris on the final day of the Tour de France. And even that is hard going. As I watch it early in the afternoon, there are huge crashes taking place on the Paris cobbles. Ouch! 

And Chloe Hosking wins for Team Wiggle High5. What an odd name! That's the team name, not the rider. It turns out to be an online company that sells high energy drinks, bars and food supplements. In true 21sr century style, Chloe Hosking, a 25 year old Australian, stood on the podium after receiving her medal and pulled out her phone to take a selfie with the girls who came second and third. In fact, she took two: one with the Arc de Triomphe in the background and then a quick turn around to have the crowds in the background. Modern times! 

Here's another little bit of sexism. For La Course, the main commentator was joined by a female commentator, a cycling expert, yes, but dressed n a posh frock and with her hair nicely loose around her shoulders. For the Tour proper, he was joined by a male commentator, another cycling expert, dressed in cycling gear. Not so modern times perhaps! 

But an emotional acceptance speech from Chris Froome ended the day, even with a little bit of French in there. 

And that's the Tour over with for another year.