The Domestique Pop-Up Bar Brings The 2016 Tour De France to Melbourne

The 2016 Tour de France is upon us, beginning on Saturday July 2nd and finishing on Sunday July 24th. Now in its 103rd year we see a few changes to the race with the team time trial omitted but two individual time trials. There will be six mountain stages which include four summit finishes. And we also see a jump in total distance, a whole 158.7 kilometres longer than last years TDF.

2015's Tour champ Chris Froome—who wore the Yellow Jersey from Stage 7 onwards—is a top contender. Other favourites include Nairo Quintana (Movistar Team), Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Team) and Fabio Aru (Astana Pro Team).

A few Australian cyclists join the tour this year. Coming from team Lotto-Soudal we see Adam Hansen and NZ's George Bennett as well as team Orica-GreenEdge's Simon Gerrans and Michael Matthews.

This year's 'Big Loop' sees 21 stages between Mont Saint-Michel and Paris including the very famous climb of Mount Ventoux.

The anticipation for both rider and spectator is looming leading into the never simple first week. With nerves often the driving factor we'll probably see a bunch of crashes as riders scramble stage wins. The mountain stages hit soon after and we really start seeing who's skill will begin to shine through. The added time trials will also give opportunity for those heading to Rio to test and prepare based on the similarity of the courses.

Brought to us by the crew at Shadow Electric. The Domestique Tour de France Pop-Up Bar is back bigger (literally) than ever. The race that stops the nation (sleeping) is on the horizon. This year with a nine-metre cinematic screen presenting three of the key alpine stages.

Sallanches / Megève,

Albertville / Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc,

and

Megève / Morzine-Avoriaz.

While in the 1960s it was common for race participants to consume alcohol to numb the pain it was soon banned due to acting as a stimulant. Now left to spectators and arm chair commentators alike. The three evenings at Domestique will offer a fully-stocked bar and food from Fancy Hanks BBQ for all until the late, late, late hours.

The Tour de France with it's average of 12 million spectators lining the route and the added 3.5 million watching from screens and streams each year makes it the largest sporting event globally.

Who will be the devoted cycling servants to skip sleep and show true tour dedication at the Domestique Pop-up Bar and Cinema.

It's located at 245 Johnston St, Abbotsford. Bar, DJs and BBQ from 7pm each evening. Thursday July 21 - Saturday July 23. Free entry. Fully licensed / No BYO. And for group bookings or enquiries check out the pop-up bars page here.