Most avid cyclists look forward to this time every year when the most popular bike race, The Tour de France, begins its 21 stage journey over 23 grueling days. The race came into being back in 1903 and has become one of the most followed and controversial events (and sport) internationally. While marred by many doping incidents and political influences there are more inspirational stories of personal triumph over adversity, magnificent displays of endurance, and astounding strategic execution from peloton to sprint to capture the maillot jaune.
Not only do I enjoy the cycling aspect and the awe-inspiring capabilities of power, speed and endurance, but with the advent of High Definition (HD) TV, the French countryside views of each stage are crisp, clear and simply breathtaking as camera-equipped helicopters follow the peloton in every stage. There are several stages that will speed through vineyards throughout France and it is my goal to share will you each stage of the Tour on this blog and describe particular wine-related facts about the area the cyclists will be experiencing. I hope you join me.
Yesterday, the Tour began with a traditional “Prologue” that consisted of a 5.5 mile time trial around the town of Rotterdam where each rider starts one minute apart and are on their own racing only against the clock. Once again, the time trial king, Fabian Cancellara from Switzerland, takes the Prologue finishing in an even 10 minutes. But, what about wine in the Netherlands?
The Dutch aren’t big wine producers with only about 130 vineyards totaling about 160 hectares. Early on, the Dutch learned that distilled beverages were more stable during shipping and Gin proved a more valuable import than wine back in the 18th century. The word gin was derived from the French and Dutch terms for “juniper” and a Dutch physician was credited with the invention of the distilled drink. If I am being economical, I’ll go for a Beefeater and tonic, though I have been known to down some Bombay Sapphire as well as Tangueray back in the day when I thought I was one smooth mutha.
Beer is the other beverage of choice in the Netherlands with the big names being Heineken and Grolsch, which must be pronounced with a gutteral loogie-hawking sound, as I learned when I visited in 1998. Not to mention, practically every bar also provides a marijuana menu, such that you can enjoy a spliff with your pale ale. But, only while in the bar. Taking said spliff off-premise is not legal, so I am told. The Indian food in the Netherlands is pretty phenomenal too, but I digress.
It is interesting that the Tour de France (de Europe?) starts in Rotterdam and will spend the next two stages in Belgium before it finally enters France, which is where the real wine fun will begin. So, good luck to 38 year-old Lance Armstrong in what is being called his last Tour de France, but I think it will be another great year for Contador, Andy Schleck or even Cancellara.
