We finished in blazing sunshine in the Place Vendome. The square was thronged with reunited families celebrating the arrivals. The sponsors stepped up to the mark by providing a free champagne tent.
The first cars - led by the winners - arrived at 1.15: the last some two hours later. By 4.30, it was almost all over - a few sightseers picked their way round the cars now deserted by their crews.
At 7.00 everyone reassembled for the celebratory dinner. The plea to be in our seats by 7.30 achieved only after 8. A slide show seemed to include at least one shot of each participant and was followed by a video with a similar objective.
Skilful presentation gave a positive spin and some of the shots showed breathtakingly beautiful scenery. But how can you show the jolting of the corrugations or the heart stopping shudder after grounding on a particularly deep pothole? Damaged cars weren't ignored but the balance of the presentation has begun the process of rose tinting the negative moments. The memories will be dominated by the positive.
The award giving was extensive with everyone who finished getting their moment in the spotlight. And it's true that we are winners from the experience whatever the official designation of our achievement.
The dinner finished at 12. The bar finished at 2. The reflection and conclusion process is only just beginning.
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