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| Tour Down Under beats Tour de France |
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Lance takes time to talk to the crowd at the Tour Down Under
Whilst we are in the privileged position of being allowed behind the security ropes to do interviews, at the Santos Tour Down Under you don't need a media pass to talk to and photograph the riders. If you don't believe us, believe Matthew. RoadCycling.co.nz met Matthew Faulk at Adelaide airport back in January. Like us, he was hyped about the week he had just experienced at the Tour Down Under and was promising he'd be back next year - with his bike this time. Matthew's story & photosHaving been fortunate enough to follow the Tour de France through the country lanes of England, the cobbles of the Champs Elysees and the mountains of the Pyrennees, for a sport renowned for its 'closeness to the action', I have never experienced bike racing quite so up close and personal as the Tour Down Under. 
Jens Voigt, happy for a chat and an autograph
When I handed him a photo I had taken of him leading Stage 13 of the 2004 Tour de France climbing up the Plateu de Beille and asked for his signature, he commented "sure - no problem - boy, am I handsome!" No comment Jens, but thanks for taking the time to chat and sign a photo or two....it is now proudly framed on on the wall at home. There were plenty of opportunities to meet your own favourite rider - Pereiro, Hincapie, Stuey, as well as ex-riders. I was particularly thrilled to get to meet Sean Yates. Every one of them had time to sign a photo and have a chat. The organisers had a really good set-up back in the city of Adelaide after each day's racing with the 'Tour Village' - an area where sponsors had stands but also where the teams workshops were located. [Ed - and cold beer was served!] It was great just to watch the team mechanics stripping, cleaning, rebuilding and setting the bikes back up for each day's racing. Some of the riders were also there, and it was here that I got to speak with Julian Dean for a while. He is a great guy and I made sure for the rest of the week I wished him well for the day's racing. 
Up close and personal with Julian Dean
Oh, and then there's Lance. The man himself was as approachable and friendly as I have ever seen him and would spend literally hours signing autographs. Even though he had a lot of demand on his time, at each stage start he was always busy signing jerseys, photos and caps for as many of his fans as he could. I don't think you'd see that at the Tour de France - at least, not to the same level. It really was a fantastic experience - just the best way to watch the racing and to meet your hero, and maybe, just maybe get that Lance autograph you always dreamed of! (Or in my case, the signed Jens Jersey - thanks Jens!) Matthew
Santos Tour Down Under coverage
Brought to you by RoadCycling.co.nz, Official Media of the Santos Tour Down Under
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Oct 2nd, 09. An Englishman living in New Zealand compares his Australian Tour Down Under experience with his Tour de France trips.
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