Greig Leach

As the Tour started its eight stage, the French fans have not had much to show for their native competitors with the exception of Cyril Lemoine (Cofidis) a Frenchman on a French team who started the day in the King of the Mountains Jersey. So it was with great enthusiasm that this most patriotic of fans greeted his countryman, Sylvain Chavanel (IAM Cycling) as he was the first to head up the Col de la Croix des Moinats. However he nearly knocked Chavanel off of his bike with his zesty flag waving. Professional Road Racing is one of the few international sports where fans can get this close to their heroes, sometimes a little too close.