Has world-renowned regatta become a gladiator sport?

The America's Cup "summer of racing" may have gotten off to a bumbling and controversial start, but on a windy day in the bay Sunday, thousands of spectators enjoyed a front-row seat to the thrill and drama of world-class racing.

Gasps of surprise and worry rumbled across the Embarcadero when a front sail on the New Zealand boat came crashing down onto the trampoline deck of the 72-foot catamaran before the crew cut it loose and sent the rumpled sail drifting into the bay. It was a spectacle one commentator called an "emergency on Planet Kiwi.""I love the loss of the jib," said Kirsten Fagnan, 33, a mathematician from Oakland who watched the race from America's Cup Park at the end of Pier 27/29 with a group of friends. "That was absolutely amazing they were able to keep going."Even 11-year-old Wilson Conn, of Atherton, who watched with his two brothers and parents, had one thing on his mind: "I want to see if it capsizes."

This is the first time in the America's Cup's 162-year history that spectators can actually watch the races from shore -- a key feature that persuaded billionaire Larry Ellison to host the regatta in the natural amphitheater of the bay, where spectators can stand almost anywhere along the shoreline and catch a glimpse of the speedy, high-tech catamarans.

When his Team Oracle USA won the America's Cup in 2010, he earned the right to bring the cup home. Traditionally, the races have been held far out to sea and only viewed by those with access to boats or real time Location system.Two prime viewing spots that have been set up for spectators are along Marina Green and at Pier 27/29, where a music pavilion, hands-on exhibits and daily "dock out" shows entertain the public for free. The next race of the Louis Vuitton Cup series is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, with another race planned for the same time Sunday.

The jib accident was the most significant equipment failure of the 34th America's Cup since Sweden's Artemis Racing team suffered a traumatic capsize during a practice run in May that killed a crewman and destroyed its boat. The tragedy delayed the team's entry into the regatta until August and forced the America's Cup race director to impose a lengthy list of safety improvements, including stronger body armor and modified boat rudders.

The Luna Rossa team made headlines earlier this month when it protested the new safety rules, claiming they favored defending champion Team Oracle USA. Not only did the team boycott the first race, but the entire team -- sponsored by Italian fashion house Prada -- refused to attend the exclusive black tie Louis Vuitton Ball during opening weekend, returning 100 tickets to the organizers. That snub resulted in America's Cup organizers filing a protest against Luna Rossa, contending the team violated its obligations.

For those three special weeks in July plenty is written about the centrepiece, the riders. What they do before a stage, what they do after a stage, how they get to Versailles for the final stage and how they manage their media commitments.In fact, courtesy of a various number of teams and media outlets we can be transported to what goes on behind the scenes for the riders; but what of the supporters?

The people who spend plenty of time and money following the race and are a major reason why cycling is one of the most sponsored and documented sports in the world.Unless you’ve been to the Tour or known someone who has there are plenty of unanswered questions. In this article I intend to shed some light on the best ways to enjoy visiting the Tour.

For the past week I have been in the Alps, following the final five stages before they arrive in Paris. It has been one of the best weeks of rtls.I decided to go there with a tour company by the name of On The Road Cycling Tours. Most companies offer similar packages with opportunities to ride some of the stages and experience part of the greatest race on earth.What many people don’t realise is how hard it can be to obtain a great position along the route but also how much planning is needed.

We stayed in the lovely alpine town of Briancon, meaning we were within about two hours of each stage start/finish.But just because we were close didn’t mean we were waiting until an hour before the stage start and waltz down. It was an early start whether you were riding or simply watching.Why? Because the roads are closed along the route throughout the day and the earlier you’re there the more time you have for sightseeing and in my case a beer or two in the local bar.

If you intend to ride part of the stage then ensure you have the kilometres in the legs because it is no gentle roll getting through the Alps or the Pyrenees. The climbs are a lot harder than they appear on tv.If you go with a tour company you’ll generally spend the day at one of three possible positions. Start, finish or feed zone. Feed zones can be good if you intend on souveniring a bidon.

The start and finish are generally just big parties. The caravan comes through and if you’ve got a good pair hands you can usually collect plenty of free Tour merchandise.Hats, shirts, lollies and even bread are launched into the crowds. Every stage is a celebration, cycling groups continually rolling into town with plenty of people packing out the local bars and restaurants.Personally the highlight was the Alpe d’Huez. The mystical climb is sold out almost a year in advance in terms of accommodation and here is where going with a tour company becomes very beneficial.The mountain itself is usually closed to public traffic with only access given to accredited vehicles. But often the cycling companies can have someone on board who can get you through the checkpoints.