Riding the Tour de France Time Trial on a 1930s Vintage Bike! | Caen 2025 Stage

While Pogačar preps for speed, I turn back the clock!
On the eve of the 2025 Tour de France Caen Time Trial, I take on the exact same route — on a 1930s single-speed bike with vintage brakes, zero tech, and a pipe-smoking moustache in spirit.

Can vintage cycling survive a modern course?
Will traffic lights and speed wobbles ruin everything?
And who was Jules “The Steam Engine” Moreau?

0:00 Intro
0:35 Anjou Velo Vintage
0:43 The start
1:15 Disaster at the traffic lights
1:44 Roundabout of Destiny
2:00 Thaon
2:17 introducing Jules “The Steam Engine” Moreau
2:40 Caen finish line
3:20 Cycling in France

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Who needs modern technology when you’ve got 
a 1930s road bike like mine? Single speed, no disc brakes, great saddle, aero 
bars… Pogačar, I bet you’re jealous. Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the 1930s Tour 
de France time trial — a 33 km dash through the noble streets of Caen and the rolling Normandy 
countryside. Today we follow Phil, the veteran Englishman riding for Équipe More Than 21 Bends 
– Bravard – Huile 21V. Fresh from the Anjou Vélo Vintage, he’s arrived just in time — waistcoat 
pressed, moustache shaved, and raring to go. What’s this? No starting ramp? 
He’s scooted straight off the quay like he’s late for tea. Scandalous scenes. And look at that attire — some sort 
of aerodynamic waistcoat and a bow tie. I must consult the 1930s rulebook 
immediately. Now we’re off through the heart of Caen. The crowds are cheering. 
The sun is shining. And there’s not a crosswind in sight — ideal conditions 
for a rider of unconventional style. Ah, disaster! He stopped at 
the traffic lights. Outrageous. Back on the move now — he’s absolutely motoring. 
Reminds me of a Bugatti Type 35 tearing down the Riviera. Look at that form — tucked in like a 
telegram in a waistcoat pocket. Uh-oh! A speed wobble… and yes, the leg tuck — a classic 
signal he’s on the rivet. Quite literally. Approaching the mythical Roundabout of Destiny, where local children have chalked future 
winners: Hinault, Merckx… spooky stuff. Up through Thaon now — a charming village 
where even the cows are cycling fans. But what’s this? A futuristic contraption on the 
road — a Renault from the year 2000? Unbelievable. Old-timers like Jules “The Steam Engine” 
Moreau would have fainted on the spot. 19 kilometres in, and Phil looks distressingly relaxed. His cadence — like a 
sewing machine at full chat. 25K — another roundabout, another 
masterclass in not using brakes. And now, the final push through Caen. The 
organisers have added gravel… Why? Nobody knows. Across the line — calm, composed, 
understated, underwhelming… utterly Phil. Phil, what do you have to say 
about your time trial today? I have completed the Tour de France Caen time 
trial. 33 kilometres on my 1930s road bike. Pogačar — beat that time. By the way, if you love discovering France 
by bike — from gravel and bikepacking to coastal escapes, epic road climbs, 
and hidden villages — hit subscribe. There’s plenty more French cycling 
adventures coming your way.