The French are busy this weekend, with the Tour de France kicking off tonight in Lille. 

21 stages, 3,338 kilometres, it’s a gruelling test of endurance. 

Christchurch’s Laurence Pithie has been selected to compete by German team Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe – competing for the first time.  

The 22 year old is set to become just the 19th New Zealander to compete since the event began in 1903, and he joined Nick Bewley for a chat ahead of the race.  

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