The Tour de France arrives in Paris today and preparations are in full swing. The Champs Elysees is already closed and looks amazing without the 6 lanes of wall to wall traffic.

Spectators are lining the course already particularly at the top of the Champs Elysees just below the Arc de Triomphe where the riders turn. Space is already at a premium and the folding chairs are today's must-have items.

The whole atmosphere is of a carnival with memorabilia stalls, food and drink stalls, and all the media gear that goes with an event which today is the focus of the sporting world.

Can't tell you how it feels to be here and also to have make the same journey here that the pro riders have, albeit slightly slower.

If I had my way I'd be standing on the finish line shouting "what kept you guys? I've been waiting for you for days!" ;-)