Je Suis Americaine
By Leslie Varsha

Tuesday morning, when I went to get my car from the parking lot in Montpellier, I found myself slightly blocked in by the Bouygues Telecom, Team Saxo Bank, and Liquigas team busses.  Former American cyclist, Bobby Julich, was outside with the Team Time Trial bikes and as I walked buy he gave me a perplexed look that conveyed, “Are you lost or something?”  I gave my most sincere apologies to a Bouygues Telecom mechanic as he moved bike equipment out of the way so I could get the car out of the parking lot.  When he asked me, “Vous etes Francaise (are you french)?” I cowered, “Non, je suis Americaine.”  I felt like a “stupide” American, but I gave a self-conscious smile and maneuvered my way around the time trial bikes without running over anything.

The night Team Astana won the team time trial in stage 4, our Versus crew enjoyed a sunset picnic on the beach in La Grande Motte thanks to our stellar production managers and assistants.  It’s not everyday the truck is parked within sight of the Mediterranean.  It was a great way to unwind after a long day in the TV truck and a great opportunity for the crew to bond.  The night ended in an impromptu limbo competition and then we all returned to our hotel to get ready for stage five.

The 2009 Tour de France has been relatively uneventful as far as encountering crazy schlouges and shenanigans are concerned.  The only real issue we’ve encountered thus far is the ability…or rather inability, of the French police to direct traffic.  The thing is there’s really no direction at all!  They close off streets, stand in front of the barrier, and give non-Tour accredited persons the “No, No, No!” finger wag if someone tries to drive down the closed street.  Meanwhile, a traffic jam forms and we end up late for crew call.  This is probably more of a road rage issue on my end, but I hope that when we get to Barcelona the cops allow us into the TV compound in a timely manner.