Irish Examiner view: Stand back and enjoy the spectacle

The wish to link one's ego to historic sporting events has seen some near-disastrous consequences. Let's hope that the coming Olympics and Paralympics are free from unwanted spectator participation. 

Tour de France winner Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar, celebrates on the Champs Elysees in Paris, yesterday. A collision between the peloton and a spectator, on the opening day, could have resulted in a tragedy. Picture: Garnier Etienne/L'Equipe via AP, Pool

Ireland has marked the opening of a glorious summer of sport with a resplendent haul of medals at the European U20 Championships in Tallinn, Estonia, demonstrating that a strong future awaits the Republic’s young track stars. It is yet another example of just how diverting competitive sport can be in even the most challenging of times.

Meanwhile, the conclusion yesterday on the Champs-Élysées of the Tour de France, still a mighty spectacle even for those who look at a bicycle and think wistfully but unconvincingly “I’ll get back up onto that saddle one day”, leaves some stunning memories and drama along its 3,500km course to remind us why it is one of the great events of the world.