Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004
From: "Timothy Leigh Rodgers" <timothy@domain.elided>
Subject: [alfa] Tour de France--Alfa
In prior years, there were always Alfas easy to see as the vehicles
following the bikes on the Tour de France. This year I see none! Any
cycling afficianados out there know what happened?
Timothy in Santa Barbara
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You refer to what was know as the "LeBlancmobile". (LeBlanc being the
directeur of the whole Tour de France). The race has been sponsored in
the past few years by volvo or fiat or some other inferior brand, but
LeBlanc clung to his Alfa for reasons we can all understand. His car was
tricked out with radios and TVs and he followed every stage and was
always the first car seen behind the saluting winning riders as they
crossed the finish line, so his machine was always highly visible. While
the other support vehicles changed every year, LeBlanc liked his Alfa. I
suppose it finally wore out or more likely he was coerced into going
with the sponsor's vehicle.