I entertained myself for a while spying on Stephen Roche! Winner in 1987, his son, Nicolas, was racing today.
Strange to see the Carabinieri patrolling the streets of Dublin!
My sister and mother were watching the race in Julianstown in Co Meath and they sent on updates and pretty pictures which kept me well occupied!
Julianstown, Co Meath.
As it turned out we were well entertained in Merrion Square with the big screen showing all the action and commentary in both English and Italian. The Caravan also provided a welcome distraction and by the time they'd left we were all kitted out in pink and the anticipation was palpable.
The Caravan arriving!
It was quite a spectacle!
Honestly, when the lead car turned the corner onto Merrion Square my legs turned to jelly! The atmosphere was outstanding. Everyone around me was banging on the advertising hoardings urging the riders on.
And the Lead Car turns the corner.
Eventually the leaders came into sight. I just pointed the camera and let it click away while I focused on the riders going past. It was all over in the blink of an eye! Most of my pictures came out fuzzy; I think it was because my hands were shaking with excitement!
I was really impressed with the show that was put on. Being at the finish line really blew my socks off and what I could see on the big screen suggested that the atmosphere was epic throughout the race. Ireland really scrubs up well!
How on earth do they cope with this kind of excitement every year in Italy?