I'm an avid cyclist who has ridden 30,000+ miles over the past seven years. I enjoy sharing the little I know with interested others.
© 2020 greg cain
Every Tour de France fan alive
Knows that since 1975
They ride that last day
Toward the Champs-Élysées
Champagne it’ll flow
And we already know
Who won the big race
So it’s a casual pace
The maillot jaune
Is his and his alone
As the riders cruise along
It’s like dancing, wine and song
A gentleman’s agreement for all time
I won’t steal yours and you shan’t steal mine
Until the last laps
Then they close the gaps
Zip past
So fast
The Arc de Triomphe
Whirs by
The fans cry
And scream
'Cause one dream
Is left to pursue
If you
Secure this victory
You’ll make history
Forever remembered
A variety
Of notoriety
That is rare
Not many up there
Riders who’ve won
Even one
Single stage
You’re all the rage
For winning this one
The last one
Of this year’s Tour
And now you’re
On a Wiki online
Starting today and for all time
As you stand up there
In the rarefied air
On the podium
Heartbeat a drum
Grin a kilometer wide
Two and three by your side
But a step below
For 'place' and 'show'
And you’re all so proud
As you wave to the crowd
In the shadow of the Arc
As you leave your mark
For all eternity
I wish I could be
That guy
That rider
Sky high
Like a glider
Soaring
Roaring
All day
On two wheels
Glasses a sporty tint
Giving a grunting, massive sprint
For the win
Then I’d do it again
Gluttony’s a sin
But I’d still be hungry
For the cobbles
To feel my bike roll and wobble
On the Champs-Élysées
Pulling away
From the peloton
And if I won
I’d want to go on
And do it again
© 2020 greg cain
Like a picture of a mirror
In a mirror
Reflecting
Infinity
That’s me
Can’t lose
So I choose
To repeat
Victory’s sweet
Legs pumping
Heart thumping
Don’t look back
Hope the mirror doesn’t crack
Stage 21 - Tour de France, 20 September 2020
© 2020 greg cain
Comments
Liz Westwood from UK on November 21, 2020:
I have been trying to get here for a while, scanning my feed page to find the article. I really enjoyed your poem. It captures the scene very well. The Tour de France and the other European bike races have done well in carrying on against the odds this year. But the final stage of the Tour in Paris is unique. Excellent illustrations too.
greg cain (author) from Moscow, Idaho, USA on November 14, 2020:
John - same here. I watch every year, was particularly glad they were able to do it safely this year, even though it was later in the year than normal. The scenery is pretty spectacular, for sure. And this last day on the Champs-Élysées had its own breathtaking scenery as they blow by the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and other iconic places in Paris. Good weekend and be safe, my friend.
greg cain (author) from Moscow, Idaho, USA on November 14, 2020:
Eric - thanks, friend. I only wish it reminded me of my own competition days! Haha! Additionally, I’ve only ever been able to see the inside of the Paris airport on my way to and from Germany. One day my bride and I will go stay and play on the Champs-Élysées. I hope so, anyway. Be well, and have a good weekend.
John Hansen from Gondwana Land on November 13, 2020:
Wonderful Greg, that would be the ultimate dream for a cyclist. I often watch the Tour de France. Love the scenery.
Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on November 13, 2020:
Such a great piece. Just the whole darn thing was great. Reminds me of my competition days and girls when I lived there.
