What can be said here about ‘the Tour’ that hasn’t been said elsewhere? It tastes good. That’s it. Other than that I wouldn’t know. The tour of France has been going for a 100 years, at least, and it’s one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Broadcast all over and followed by millions. On the road and on the couch. And in our case, in the kitchen.
Stage 1 – Firenze > Rimini
Race region:Emilia-Romagna
Stage type: Hilly
Stage winner: Romain Bardet
Race summary
On a historic day in Italy, Romain Bardet clinched Stage 1 of the Tour de France, securing the Yellow Jersey with a strong finish on the Rimini seafront for Team dsm-firmenich PostNL. Bardet, supported by teammate Frank Van den Broek, outpaced Wout van Aert, who led the peloton 5 seconds behind.
A colorful brunch
What does one want to do on what could be a lazy saturday, but getting up late and thinking of alcohol first thing? I don't know, but that's what we did. Mimosas. Who doesn't love mimosas? I don't, really. It just feels like something you're not allowed to do, yet it has a certain appeal. You can't drink on an empty stomach, though. Food, therefore, is necessary. We went for what we'd like to call a 'colorful brunch'. Colors in the vein of le Tour.
Ingredients
- Champagne
- Orange Juice
- Coffee
- Bread, preferably from the baker’s
- Butter
- Cheese, any kind, really
- Jam (or marmalade, I don’t care)
- Something green (for points)
Instructions
- Prepare all your ingredients the night before, such that you can sleep in. The race isn't on till later. No worries.
- Slice some bread, cheese, greens
- Place everything on a table you've remembered to theme for the occasion.
- Eat and drink
Sources
The Tour de France is a big deal in our house. Together we watch almost every race that matters, and quite a few that really don't. Nevertheless, watching bike races is always fun, whether live on the side of the road or at home, on the couch, with food - and drinks. What's important is enjoying the race and the afternoon. In our case we like to eat, drink and be merry while watching the race. This year's tour will start out with a slow one. A brunch, Danish in origin but colorfully inspired by the colors of the tour. The maillot jaune, the maillot vert, the maillot poit and the maillot blanc. And mimosas. Why not, it's saturday - and our vacation just started!
With a nice brunch over it's time to enjoy this year's tour. As this year is different than most, it's going to be an exciting race. As Danes it's exceptionally exciting to see whether Jonas has recovered from his crash in the Basque tour and is able to defend his double victory or he'll have to concede the throne to one particular Slovenian.
Stage 2 – Cesenatico > Bologna
Race region:Emilia-Romagna
Stage type: Hilly
Stage winner: Tadej Pogacar
Race summary
The second stage of the 2024 Tour de France was won by Kevin Vauquelin on Sunday in the centre of Bologna, after the young Frenchman attacked on the second San Luca climb and made it to the finish line alone. Vauquelin therefore made it two wins for French riders in the first two stages, handing Ark
Lasagna Bolognese
This is what I've always been waiting for - my favorite dish. Lasagna. Let me tell you, it's like it was six years ago that I last tasted this sweet dish. It is more like two weeks in reality, but it's the waiting that feels so long dragged out. Like mountains, almost like in a pro cycling race. Huh.
Ingredients
- 1 kg ground beef
- 3 large onions
- 3 carrots
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 150 g tomato paste
- 3 cans of peeled tomatoes
- 2 dl red wine
- 1/2 tsp rosemary
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- 1/2 dl olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown the meat in a dry, hot pan
- Add in diced onion, garlic, carrots and rosemary and cook until onions are glassy
- Pour in the red wine and let simmer for a few minutes
- Add the rest of the ingredients and combine and let cook for 20 minutes
Sources
Same region and we went for a classical Lasagna Bolognese. Because it ends in BOLOGNE!! Creative, we know. That’s what you’ll get for a combined 12 years spent at universities studying the humanities.
Stage 3: – Piacenza > Torino
Stage 4 – Pinerolo > Valloire
About the tour
Gravel and mountains, butter and wine
Why did we go and do all of this, you might ask. Well, that’s a good question, and I’m about too full right now to give you a fulfilling answer at this moment in time. I apologize.