I’m curious, what’s more interesting about Italy and Spain than France (other than the location and scenery)? It’s all 100+ guys in lycra on 10,000USD bikes racing at top speeds for countless hours and kms.
To me, it’s all relatively the same amount of boredom. I’d turn it on to watch for a few minutes and just watch highlights after each stage.
I have the honor of being at 2 NASCAR races at Talladega in the late 80s when there were no restrictor plates. Was there at the fastest (still record) qualifying time ever by Bill Elliott (212+mph) and saw Bobby Allison’s crash, which brought about the current restrictor plate, happen just to the left of us. Flipped multiple times and landed right-side up. Got out, waved to the crowd, and walked away. Lucky him.