Teams go to work on the Col

Welcome to the Col de Wick- low Gap. Mountain climb category three at 540 metres above sea level. King of the Mountain point in the 1998 Tour de France en Irlande. Arguably the most stunning stretch of road in the country.

Tomorrow afternoon it will be the centre of attention as one of the most spectacular points on Stage 1 of the Tour. Thousands of people are expected to make the trip into the heart of Wicklow to see the race action up close and personal.

Yesterday afternoon, however, the road was already busy with both amateurs and professionals trying it out for size. Most of the 21 teams riding this year's race went over the Col - that's French for climb - at least three times (these guys do it for a living, remember) to prepare for every bend in the road.

Recreational cyclists were content to stop and enjoy the view.

Tom Felker had come all the way from Vashion Island off the coast of Seattle in the US to cycle over the route. "I've done some great cycling trips in my time and this is right up there," he said. "It's about a nine and a half on a scale of ten."

Tom was accompanied by his friends Jim Coles and Larry Levy, also of Seattle, who are among about 70 riders who travelled to Ireland as part of Stephen Roche's cycling-tours company.

Farther up the road another group of cycling tourists was enjoying a well-earned break. They had the pleasure of enjoying top French cuisine in the hospitality tent put on by the company director, Paul McQuaid.

"We'll be back here again on Sunday to make sure our group gets a bird's-eye view," he said. "I don't know how many will be up here altogether but I think the atmosphere will be incredible."

The foreign interest in the tour has already left its mark on the road. The painting of names and slogans is part of the tour tradition and this stretch has already had the artist's touch.

"Allez Virenque," "Marco and Mario" and "Fat Boy Ullrich" are just some of the more popular ones. Virenque is the French favourite while Marco and Mario - that's Pantani and Cipollini - are two heroes of Italian cycling.

Poor Jan Ullrich can't seem to get over the slagging since he gained a few pounds over the winter.

The Col finally reaches a peak after about three miles and here campers have already moved in.

Peter Satterthwaith and his brother Hughie have driven their camper van from Kent to ensure they get the best spot of the 1998 Tour.

The top of the mountain is going to be some sight come tomorrow.Wicklow County Council was busy setting up the biggest flower arrangement to adorn a mountain top. Seen from the sky it will read "Welcome from Wicklow" with a bike, of course, the centre of the design.

You don't even have to wait until tomorrow to enjoy the entertainment at the Col. The Glendalough Festival weekend has already kicked off and this evening will have a spectacular laser lights show at the Upper Lake from 11.00 onwards.