Aussie rider Adam Hansen enjoys a donated beer during Tour de France's most sadistic stage
SOMEBODY forgot to tell Adam Hansen there was no fun to be had on the Tour de France's most sadistic stage - the dreaded Alpe d'Huez.
IT was torturous, nasty and sadistic, but somebody obviously forgot to tell Australian Adam Hansen there was no fun to be had on the Tour de France's most celebrated mountain.
Hansen twice rode up Alpe d'Huez's famous 21 hairpins to finish a respectable 59th of 175 finishers - completing the second ascent with the aid of a donated beer.
The Lotto-Belisol workhorse could not have failed to notice the mountain's most raucous junction at turn 17 - best known as Dutch Corner – despite the intensity of Stage 18.
So when Hansen cruised up the mountain for a second time, he did not hesitate when handed a beer.
The man known to his peers as 'Croc Man' added to the Orange party vibe by having a quick swig while dodging spectators on the fan-lined route.
"Who said I did not have fun today????? Love the Tour de Francr (sic)," he Tweeted post-stage.
"On his hotlap up Alpe d'huez" busted again.... hope the sports directors dont see this... "
Who said I did not have fun today????? Love the Tour de Francr http://t.co/svY4FZ25TB pic.twitter.com/DXIpLTl34R
— Adam Hansen (@HansenAdam) July 18, 2013
Dutch Corner is traditionally scene of the mountain's loudest and most excessive celebrations with a DJ, temporary bars, food stalls – and the most outrageously clad onlookers.
Winner of stage 7 on the Giro d'Italia this year, Hansen is one of the elite European peloton's most respected peers.
And the Czech-based Queenslander is also one of the most popular because of his dashing style for Belgian team Lotto-Belisol.
He yesterday reported "On all the climbs they (spectators) give me cans of Coke & scream go harder!!!"
Hansen is 65th overall in the 100th Tour, with Britain's Chris Froome of the Sky team enjoying a seemingly unassailable lead in the yellow jersey thanks to the help of Tasmanian teammate Richie Porte.
Cadel Evans, meanwhile, endured another horror stage overnight and faces the prospect of his worst Tour finish ever.
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