I can't claim to know much about bike racing. I have watched episodes of the televised Tour de France, in particular the one that started in England. Looks a nice place.
There was a bike race came through our village last Saturday, part of the Boucles de La Mayenne, which in turn are part of a european competition. We went to watch, on the basis that it was a nice day, the bar would be open, and we could take a picnic.
A few of the villagers turned out, and it was an excuse for a bit of socialising. The caravan of sponsors came through at 11h30 and the race itself at 13h30. In between I enjoyed a beer, a sandwich, conversations with neighbours, and a short walk around the village.
Those bikers don't half shift. Woosh and they were gone. And they keep that up for 173km or so, that is a bit over 100 miles. Good grief.
And here's a free pic of some flowers growing in a wall.