Hello and bonjour! The last day before the start of the 108th Tour de France, and to post of some of my favourite images over the years inspired by this great race.
I am amazed to admit that this will be the tenth time I have made drawings and paintings of the Tour, my first being in 2012. It was a turning point for my art (and my life) in many ways, so this will be a special race from a personal perspective too. The start of an anniversary year, in fact, so I am very excited to say the least.
The race itself promises, as ever, to be a diverse and colourful course, this year starting in Brittany, which will be lovely to see. Other highlights for me include a return to Albertville, Nîmes and Carcassonne along with a nice detour through Andorra, which will bring back memories of skiing holidays we enjoyed years ago.
From the the point of view of the race itself, there’s a lot to look forward to. Personally, I shall have everything crossed for Mark Cavendish, one the most exciting riders for me, but also one with his unfair share of bad luck lately. He is so passionate about this race and so close to Merckx’ record, it would be phenomenal to see him succeed.
Cavendish will ride alongside Julian Alaphilippe, another rider who is a joy to watch. I just love them both and I confess, Deceuninck–Quick-Step, will be a team I shall be keen to see do well.
La Course, the partner women’s race will take place tomorrow, following a similar route tothe men’s Stage 1 route, but the really significant news for women’s cycling is that Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme made a long-awaited confirmation that Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) will launch a women’s Tour de France in 2022. Finally!!! I can’t wait to draw it! A wonderful way to round off my anniversary year.
So, not long to go… let’s hope for good weather, good riding, no controversies, definitely no COVID, and plenty of scenes of France itself, for many of us, it will be our only way to visit this year. Wishing the teams and the Tour, the very best! Scroll down to see some pictures to whet your appetite!
Allez! Allez!
Next, the rain! It’s lovely to draw, not so great to ride…
Maxine Dodd 
I can’t wait and really looking forward to it. 😊 They get close to Switz but I’ll not be back in time to see it! (Though, I have to say, I’m disappointed ‘my’ picture is not in your favourites! I thought it was a classic! 😉🐯🦊)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Mike! Thank you for your lovely message, and I must say that your picture is definitely a firm favourite and a classic, I love it and the story around it, but I haven’t included any pictures here that have sold, because sometimes people ask to buy them and, of course, they are no longer available. It doesn’t seem fair to tempt them with something they can’t have! 😊🦊🐯
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, of course, silly me! You would be inundated with requests! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Especially from fans of Hull City, with a penchant for road cycling! 🐯
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tour de France 2021: Here it comes!
LikeLiked by 1 person