It really was a different world then, I got into the start area at the TdF many a time when it was a lot more relaxed and less security.
One time in an early stage in Brittany 85, I think I wandered up to Millar who was having an espresso before the stage, I said hello Robert how are you feeling and without looking up he said fark off and rode off.
In a funny way I always felt privileged to be insulted by him