Bonjour! Stage 18 was arguably the best this year. As a course, it had everything. It was a long stage which began on the flat, ascended several hard climbs, some 1:10, with descents to match! The climax came at the the end, where the course followed the most remarkable road known as the Lacets de Montvernier, the ‘shoe laces’ which has 17 turns on its path up the sheer mountain face. People were perched on the top waiting for the riders. Simply amazing! It was an incredible race for the key players and delight for the French fans, who had the stage winner in Romain Bardet, while following hot on his heels was Pierre Rolland. C’est magnifique! Here are my drawings:

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Bardet climbs Lacets de Montvernier, Stage 18

How did they get that up there? Lacets de Montvernier, Stage 18

The sun on their backs, Stage 18

So many polka dots! Stage 18

Mountains looming, Stage 18, by Maxine Dodd

Heading for the climbs, Stage 18