The Tour de France is not only organised for the cyclists but also for the benefit of sponsors' floats. The cavalcade which precedes the race is also a military operation with every driver taught to keep formation as the race moves from town to town.

The vehicles are staggered either side of the road with enough space for press and team cars to weave their way through if needs be. No doubt the thousands of people watching events unfold in Ireland would have been appalled to see these weaving cars, travelling at around 60 miles per hour, zig-zagging between giant Michelin men and revolving plastic globes. It was. . . eh. . . ahem. . . all very well rehearsed!