Early bird catches the WEC: why Le Mans mornings are the best
Common logic holds that the Le Mans 24 Hours is at its most magical at night. And sure, it's incredible watching hypercars blast past in the dark at close to 200mph – but the rest of it can be a bit much.
On Saturday night, the Circuit de la Sarthe morphs into a big party venue, and it can be an overwhelming sensory experience. The humidity that can build over Le Mans in mid-June clings on after nightfall, making it stifling and uncomfortable.
And there's a mass of humanity everywhere, drinking, partying and swirling in and out of the spectator zones, funfair and campsites. With all this and the bright lights, loud noises and smells of various foods being cooked, it's loud, bustling and boisterous.
For someone who isn't much of a partying type, it's a lot, and I'm always relieved to escape the mayhem.
Besides, there's a much better time to enjoy Le Mans. You just need to get up early: because compared with Saturday night, Sunday morning at Le Mans is a different world – and, in my mind, an immeasurably better, more pleasurable one.
The humidity fades overnight, and as the sun breaks under clear skies, it's usually fresh and welcoming. And, aside from the 50-plus high-powered race cars roaring round, it's peaceful.
The throngs of fans have melted away, aside from a handful of fellow early starters (and the odd late-night reveller asleep on the ground), so you have your run of prime spectator spots.
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The Guardian
37 minutes ago
- The Guardian
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'Ici, c'est Paris' has been the rallying chant of Paris Saint-Germain supporters since the beginning of the 21st century. It has also become an advertising slogan for the club, who appropriated it to the fury of the ultras, who had trademarked it and have launched a lawsuit in response. But fans and marketing consultants, unless they do not fear ridicule, will not be able to use it once PSG carry out their plan to vacate the Parc des Princes, their home since they were promoted to Ligue 1 in 1974. 'It's over now,' PSG's president, Nasser al-Khelaifi, told reporters in March. 'We want to move.' This was confirmed in a statement on 10 June, the day the newly crowned European champions flew to California and the Fifa Club World Cup. 'I like the Parc a lot,' Khelaifi, known in France as Nak, said of the 48,583-capacity arena. 'Everyone loves it. But [if we stay], we're dead. In Europe, all the big clubs have 80,000- or 90,000-seat stadiums. 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Reuters
6 hours ago
- Reuters
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Reuters
9 hours ago
- Reuters
Toulouse edge out Bordeaux to secure third straight Top 14 crown
PARIS, June 28 (Reuters) - Toulouse claimed their third consecutive Top 14 title and a record-extending 24th French championship by beating Bordeaux Begles 39-33 after extra time in a dramatic final on Saturday. Thomas Ramos kicked two penalties in the last five minutes for Toulouse after Bordeaux's Maxime Lucu had converted a penalty on the hooter to take the game into extra time at 33-33. A try from Anthony Jelonch and a brace from Jack Willis put champions Toulouse in control of the match but Damian Penaud, Matthieu Jalibert and Guido Petti also crossed the tryline to keep Bordeaux in touch. Petti and Pierre Bochaton were shown yellow cards and Toulouse, missing talisman Antoine Dupont, won their 11th consecutive final, a year after routing Bordeaux Begles 59-3 in the title match. "Emotions are unbelievable. The scenario is crazy", Jelonch said on France TV. "We were exhausted after 80 minutes, we played 100. When you see all the players' emotions, this one is the most beautiful of all." Bordeaux's Jalibert said he was proud of his side. "We were strong but the coin didn't fall on our side", the fly-half said on France TV. "I think we can keep our heads up. I'm proud of the team because after last year's disappointment, we wanted to come back here." After Toulouse and Bordeaux traded penalties, the holders capitalised on Petti's yellow card to score the opening try when Jelonch found a gap in the defence. Bordeaux responded quickly, however, when Penaud latched on to Maxime Lucu's kick to touch down. Willis restored Toulouse's lead with a powerful finish from a driving maul just before halftime and the English flanker crossed for a second try after Jalibert had dotted down under the posts for Bordeaux. Lock Petti kept the game alive when he went over from a wide position for Bordeaux before Lucu sent the game into extra time. France internationals Romain Ntamack and Louis Bielle-Biarrey did not reappear after halftime, the former due to a shoulder injury while the latter was playing his first match after suffering a concussion.
