Bonjour!  I have found the first week of this year’s Tour incredible, with exciting racing, twists and turns of fortune, the Yellow Jersey moving from one back to another. It’s been a great event so far. I am able now to post my pictures from each stage – even though I will be in the Lantern Rouge slot – I don’t mind – I have enjoyed the race as a fan which has been great.

This year’s Tour de France paid homage to Eddie Merckx by holding the first two stages in Belgium – Brussels to be precise.  Merckx took his first Tour stage win 50 years ago and then went on to achieve legendary status, still being the only cyclist to achieve eleven Grand Tours, all five Monuments and three World Championships to his name. No wonder his nickname is ‘The Cannibal’, he ate up ALL the glory!

This first stage traversed the city and 176 riders took part. Mike Teunissen deftly charged for the line in the wake of a crash involving Dylan Groenewegen, in a photo finish with Peter Sagan.  His was the first Yellow Jersey for a Dutch rider in 30 years, so it was a thrilling ride for him.

Here are my pictures… click on an image to see it full size.

Stage 1 – Battle for the line! Teunissen beats Sagan

Stage 1 – First on the pavés

Pen sketch – Tall trees and riders

Head of the peloton

Flags and lanterns

Stage 1 – Breakaway to the bright green tree

Click on an image to see in full – Medium and measurements are listed below. Click here if you wish to enquire further

All images copyright Maxine Dodd.

For in-depth race analysis, delivered with fun and wit, I highly recommend ‘Velovoices’ but don’t forget to come back to ‘Racing Lines’ for the pictures!

Have a great day! 🙂