PARIS - France 2014 - page 180

of a collision. At the end of each stage, fans breathlessly watch for that critical mo-
mentwhentheleadridersbreakawayforthefinalsprint.Meanwhile,theteammust
jockey its way as a whole to the best position within the peloton, all while plotting
how best to tap its members' varied talents over the course of the race.
Specialistsridenotjusttobolstertheirteam,butalsocompetefortheirowndis-
tinctions: Climbers, usually smaller racers, battle to wear the maillot à pois rouges
(red-polka-dot jersey), awarded to the “King of the Mountains.” Bigger riders are
usually sprinters, who save their energy for short bursts of speed, while vying for
the maillot vert (green jersey). Time trialists help lower the team's aggregate time
by excelling at individual races, where they must maintain high speeds over a long
distance. The team's star is its captain, usually a solid “all-rounder.” He's going for
the famous maillot jaune (yellow jersey), worn by whoever holds the overall lead
in the “general classification” standings at the end of each stage. (It may be called
“the”yellowjersey,buteachday'sjerseyisanew,unsweatyone.)Acomplexpoints
system helps determine who has the lowest cumulative time—and, ultimately, who
getsthe€1.5million(about$2million)prize,andrecognitionastheworld'sgreatest
cyclist.
Unlike most spectator sports, cycling is perhaps best enjoyed on TV, where the
intricate maneuvering iseasier tofollow,andtheaction staysinthecamera'sframe.
Each day's race climax occurs around 17:00. If you're in France, just turn on your
set at that time, flip among the first few channels, and you'll find coverage.
If you do catch the Tour in person, you'll experience the excitement firsthand
and hear the loud whoosh of passing cyclists—but they're gone in a blink (viewing
is best—and most crowded—on uphill slopes; for dates and details, see
www.letour.fr ) .
Any time of year, you can at least picture the Tour's final stretch here on the
nation's grandest avenue, where cheering crowds cram the sidewalks, necks craned
for a glimpse of the yellow jersey.
Cost and Hours: Outside and at the base—free, always viewable; steps to
rooftop—€9.50,freeforthoseunderage18,freeonfirstSunofmonthOct-March,covered
by Museum Pass; daily April-Sept 10:00-23:00, Oct-March 10:00-22:30, last entry 45
minutes beforeclosing; Place Charles deGaulle, useunderpasstoreach arch,Mo:Charles
de Gaulle-Etoile, tel. [phone], http://arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr .
Avoiding Lines: Bypass the slooow ticket line with your Museum Pass (though if
you have kids, you'll need to line up to get the free tickets for children). There may be an-