With the battles in the high mountains defining the Tour de France over the next few days, it’s hard not to be riveted to the action. Where will you be watching Froome and Quintana go toe to toe?
Come 3pm everyday, for the last three weeks, there’s a noticeable fidget in the office as tasks are hurriedly completed and ears are tuned to the reassuring tones of Phil Liggett. It’s Tour time. And the action has been immense this year. Froome looks certain to win, but there’s always the chance that something, someone, could upset the apple cart, that’s the beauty of sport and why we’re glued to the drama unfolding day by day.
Our office ranks have recently been bolstered by our young Italian intern, Alessandro. Although a relative new-comer to the world of Le Tour and shaved legs, he’s caught the Tour fever, so we sent him out on a mission around London to discover the five best places to watch the Tour de France in London and why. The 102nd edition of this “Tour de France” reaches it’s climax this weekend, and if you are in London you cannot miss the final stages.
1. Pearson Cycles, Sheen
Located in leafy South-west London, Pearson is a family owned and run, centenary cycle shop, recognised as the ‘World’s Oldest Bicycle Shop’ by the Guinness Book of Records. As you can imagine with a history stretching past 100 years, there’s depth of knowledge here found in very few other establishments. Settle in with a coffee and watch the Tour on their big screen.
We had a chat with Guy Pearson, the owner and proprietor:
Guy, who is going to win the “Tour de France” this year?
Chris Froome.
Who would you like to win the Tour de France?
Vincenzo Nibali.
What is the most interesting object in your shop?
A sculpture of a man’s head made by a local artist
Why is your shop amazing?
Because we focus on customers’ care. We offer them very a specific and customised service, we serve it with passion and we try to fit everything they need. Even the shop on it’s own is amazing!
Where in the world would you most like to go to ride your bike?
Emilia Romagna, north-east of Italy.
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2. Look Mum No Hands!, Southbank Pop-up
Watching “Tour de France” with the Big Ben behind your shoulders is something of a unique experience, and you can do it in this very cool café along Queen’s walk, just two minutes from Waterloo station. Tamara talked to us about this special cycle cafe, that is a pop up for this summer. Don’t worry if you miss out, for the other seasons there are two shops in central and east London, and their door are always open!
Tamara, who is going to win the “Tour de France” this year?
Chris Froome
Who would you like to win the Tour de France?
Chris Froome
What is the most interesting object in the cafe?
The caravan, which is in fact the shop! And we also have a beautiful tandem as furnishing object.
Why is the shop amazing?
Because is located in a fantastic area of London, we have a nice open air area in which riders can chill and drink one of our beer, made by one of the local breweries!
Where in the world would you most like to go to ride your bike?
Cycling around London is really amazing, there’s always something new, but I would say the Black Forest in Germany is pretty spectacular.
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3. Rapha Cycle Club, Soho
Rapha doesn’t need any introductions, but it is one of the most famous cycle brands in London for a reason. And it’s cafe in the vibrant junction of Soho and Piccadilly is no exception to the rule. Their young and humorous staff were very welcoming and we had the opportunity to talk with the very appropriately named, Raffa. Even in the short time the cafe has been open they’ve seen how much the popularity of cycling has grown. Even located in the centre of town, riders meet for training rides every morning, before returning for shot of their favourite caffeine hit.
Rafa, who is going to win the “Tour de France” this year?
Chris Froome.
Who would you like to win the Tour de France?
Joaquim “Purito” Rodríguez.
What is the most interesting object in the shop?
The Rapha Classic Wind Jacket, it is simply fantastic.
Why is the shop amazing?
Because of the warm environment. You can feel a spirit of cycling, especially when the “Tour de France” is on. During these days the shop is full of people watching the Tour together in front of our TV, and it seems to be like along the streets of the stages, everyone cheers and screams at their riders. When Bradley Wiggins broke the Hour record at the velodrome, you can not imagine what happened here.
Where in the world would you most like to go to ride your bike?
The Nordic wilderness, Norway or Sweden
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4. Soho Bikes, Berwick St.
Newcomer, Soho Bikes, is another cool central London destination to catch “Le Tour”. Bikes, coffee, workshop, enthusiasm and helpful staff, what more could you want?
Matty, a very willing French mechanic at the shop was very happy to reply to our barrage of questions.
Matty, who is going to win the “Tour de France” this year?
Chris Froome.
Who would you like to win the Tour de France?
Thibaut Pinot.
What is the most interesting object in the shop?
I think the products we have of sale are interesting because we choose small brands that focus on super high quality, like “Chrome” or “Santa Cruz”.
Why is the shop amazing?
Because the staff has got huge passion for what we are doing… everyone here rides a bike of course!
Where in the world would you most like to go to ride your bike?
Being French, North Devon.
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5. Oakley In Residence, Exmouth Market
Oakley’s latest pop-up is for cycling. Inside it exudes all that is synonymous with the cult brand, fitting in a very welcoming bar and a mega screen, bringing all the high definition Tour de France coverage you need. Alec, kindly showed us his favourite elements of the store.
Alec, who is going to win the “Tour de France” this year?
Chris Froome.
2- Who would you like to win the Tour de France?
Vincenzo Nibali.
3-What is the most interesting object in the shop?
The new Oakley Jawbreaker.
Why is the shop amazing?
Because you can find inside professional riders but also first time rider. Furthermore, we provide a free assistance at your bike and also free bike renting service.
Where in the world would you most like to go to ride your bike?
Canada, in the Whistler area, with my MTB!