Mankini Optional
There’s an archetype for everyone in the roadside party of passionate, painted, and plastered revellers. Which is most like you?
Masqueraders J
Tour de France fandom is populated largely by a cast of costumed characters including, but not limited to, angels, cave people, unicorns, bananas, superheroes, Smurfs, a virtual ark of animal species, and of course, the infamous Devil himself. As a Masquerader, you are restricted only by your creativity and budget.
Runners J
Usually found in the mountains, Runners try to match riders stride for pedal stroke, shouting encouragement as long as their legs and lungs will allow. You’ll need good tackies and a thick skin – riders and fans are often unamused by your antics.
Streakers J
A disturbing yet highprofile subspecies of Runners, Streakers like to let it all hang out. If this is you, leave your modesty at home and bring lots of sunscreen. And if going Full Monty is too much, consider picking up your own hi-viz Borat mankini.
Flashers J
Like Streakers, Flashers are at home at the Tour de France where three weeks of open roadsides (and cameras) prove irresistable to fans with exhibitionist tendencies. Wear something easy to open; you don’t want a wardrobe malfunction to get in the way of your three seconds of fame.
Scribblers J
In the Tour’s earliest days, mountain passes were unpaved. Tar made riders’ lives easier, and gave fans a blank slate for scrawling encouragement. Bring plenty of chalk and get there early enough to have the time and space you need to display your message.
Body Writers J
A subspecies of Flashers and Scribblers, Body Writers use their skin as a billboard. Eat up: the more surface area you have, the more you can say.
Artists J
For some, the route becomes a canvas upon which to create a visual masterpiece – banners, bicycle sculptures, even performance pieces. You are free to experiment; just make sure your contribution is big enough to be caught by the helicam.
Nationalists J
From the orange- clad Dutch on Alpe d’Huez (where they have more victories than riders from any other nation) to rowdy Basque fans in the Pyrenees, there’s a virtual United Nations of country pride. Bring a flag with your favourite patriotic slogan.