![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/d71cd881.jpg)
We arrived about an hour and a half before the scheduled departure time.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/074d241c.jpg)
Today there would be no joy in getting into the VIP area with the Carabinieri.
Once we settled in, it was a matter of waiting, and keeping an eye out for the racers arriving to sign in.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/061305dc.jpg)
Not yet, give him time.
Then, out of nowhere a rider appeared, signed in, then worked the crowds, signing autographs.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/eed2c616.jpg)
Martinique's very own Thomas Voeckler.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/7bea9d64.jpg)
Shortly after, a pink pedicab arrived, bearing the Giro trophy and Yolanthe Cabau.
After that there was a lull.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/dc521104.jpg)
Staff and press schmoozed.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/fd28317d.jpg)
Recent cycling fans as well.
Then the riders started to appear.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/23eb3478.jpg)
At first one by one.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/46e1f0ff.jpg)
With the occasional team entrance.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/90a56395.jpg)
Including reigning World Champion Cadel Evans.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/c5f2e3df.jpg)
After signing in, and giving a short interview on the stage, Evans made his way back to where he arrived.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/144dfc7a.jpg)
After that they started flowing in from all directions.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/755f36be.jpg)
Our friend Fabian even made an impromtu entrance at the corner of the gate we were leaning on.
This apparently confused the Carabinieri, because a few minutes later, when a local racer arrived to survey the show, the gate was opened for him to enter.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/7549685f.jpg)
Young Danny passed on the offer.
Meanwhile the show went on.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/efd1306d.jpg)
Danilo Hondo seemed to enjoy being back.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/438abebb.jpg)
Mario Bruseghin cordially obliged requests to say cheese.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/b81a266c.jpg)
And Vino received a few welcome back handshakes.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/97e3df1b.jpg)
Time was ticking, and Yolanthe, accompanied by former Tour de France winner Joep Zoetemelk, made way to the official start line.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/11d381b4.jpg)
Having signed in, Mr. Wiggins sat in her draft.
The pleoton was almost complete. Just one more rider had yet to return from signing in.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/808c32bb.jpg)
It's Tyler Farrar.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/227351e8.jpg)
He pulls up to the back of the group, and kicks back.
He's obviously relaxed.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/GdI_Mokum/f2a09a22.jpg)
So relaxed, that as the peloton departs, he has yet to clip in.
Better hurry up, you've got a race to win.
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