Tour de France 2020: Stage 20 – Start line reflections – Richie Porte
Posted on September 24, 2020
Another much-loved rider, Tasmanian star, Richie Porte, who, like Pinot, has more than his fair share of extreme events on this race over the years. This year, Richie has been fantastic yet again, and finally in position for a place on the podium, if all goes well on this run. I wonder though, in these moments of reflection before starting out, if his thoughts turned to his precious new baby, who was born while her daddy was riding this great race….No better motivation or inspiration.
Have a good day today.. 🙂
Tour de France 2020: Stage 20 – Start line reflections – Pinot! Pinot!
Posted on September 24, 2020
The next few images, I have called ‘Start line reflections’, initially because I am fascinated by the reflections in the helmet screens that riders wear. The thought then dawned on me that the wait for the rider before setting off may also be a time of reflection? I expect mostly they are thinking about the job in hand, but are there a few seconds when their thoughts turn elsewhere? I wonder…
The first image is the great French hero Thibaut Pinot waiting for the countdown. I wonder if he could hear the fans chanting his name, ‘Pinot! Pinot!’? He is such a popular rider, and along with so many great French stars, bears the weight of the whole country desperate for a win. Any fan of the England football team knows exactly how the French fans feel – it would be fantastic for a win soon – it’s a long time coming!
Have a good day today.. 🙂
Tour de France 2020: Stage 20 – Masks – or not!
Posted on September 24, 2020
Stage 20 was the only time-trial of this year’s race, but with a fantastic course finishing on La Planche des Belles Filles – one of the most iconic settings, which has become a firm favourite with fans since the Tour first visited in 2012.
The first image shows Rémi Cavagna (DQS) making the climb past a huge numbers of fans – most of whom were wearing masks, but some taking them off or were without all together in order to cheer on their heroes.
Have a good day today.. 🙂
Tour de France 2020: Stage 19 – The Meeting of the shirts
Posted on September 23, 2020
I really enjoy making pictures of the four Jerseys and usually the best time to do this is before the start or during the rollout. Stage 19 had some great views of the four of them waiting and chatting before the day’s work began.
So here they are, the four best riders in each class at this point of the race, from left to right, Richard Carapaz, (Ineos Grenadiers), King of the Mountains, Primož Roglič, (Jumbo Visma), Yellow Jersey, Tadej Pogačar, (UAE), Best Young Rider, Sam Bennett, Deceuninck–Quick-Step, Best Sprinter. I think they are all fantastic, but I am biased!
Have a good day today.. 🙂
Tour de France 2020: Stage 19 – Søren Kragh Andersen flying to victory…
Posted on September 23, 2020
Søren Kragh Andersen, took off with around 22km left, in the most remarkable descent. Again, it was another great tactical manoeuvre by his team Sunweb, and he sustained this breakaway at breathtaking speed, which was both alarming and exhilarating to watch. His move was rewarded with another stage win, as no one else could catch him. Incredible!
Have a good day today.. 🙂
Tour de France 2020: Stage 19 – Watching Le Tour
Posted on September 22, 2020
The course of Stage 19 passed through the loveliest countryside – and judging by the land art, a great dairy producer – These ladies were enjoying the sunshine until their interest was piqued by a sudden noise made by a strange, colourful creature with lots of legs – it whirred too. Some of the ladies felt that they’d seen one before, but couldn’t quite remember when…
Have a good day today.. 🙂
Tour de France 2020: Stage 18 – Amigos
Posted on September 19, 2020
Tour de France 2020: Stage 18 – Fast and furious!
Posted on September 19, 2020
The real story of Stage 18, came from Ineos Grenadiers, who suffered great disappointment and sadness over Egan Bernal. The reigning champion was in such a bad state, that the team decided to withdraw him from the race, fearing further injury should he continue. Michal Kwiatkowski and Richard Carapaz formed a phenomenal break that lasted to the finish. They set a fantastic pace, reminding us that this team remains a forceful presence in the race.
Have a good day today.. 🙂
Tour de France 2020: Stage 18 – Gravel!
Posted on September 19, 2020
Another feature of the route today, was a section noted for its gravel roads, never easy for riders and their teams for fears of punctures or falls, but very dramatic for the viewers and photographers, with the potential of smokey looking images, full of atmosphere. This is my attempt, which shows the Yellow and Polka Dot jerseys passing through the gravel, no doubt with more than a mouthful of dust in their lungs afterwards…
Have a good day today.. 🙂
Tour de France 2020: Stage 18 – Bonjour Obelix!
Posted on September 19, 2020
Tour de France 2020: Stage 18 – Wow!
Posted on September 19, 2020
If there is one thing that this year’s Tour de France would teach a visitor from outer space about France, is that it is a country with the most remarkable collection of mountains! I am staggered every year by the landscape and especially the mountain stages, but this year, they have seemed even more breathtaking than ever. This scenery typical of the views throughout the day! Wow!
Have a good day today.. 🙂
Tour de France 2020: Stage 17 – Amazing Miquel!
Posted on September 19, 2020
Tour de France 2020: Stage 17 – Oranges and lemons
Posted on September 19, 2020
Another image highlighting teams in this year’s race. Two teams on show here and I was taken with their respective colours, hence the title of the picture! The team at the front, is Bahrain McLaren, who picked up the pace and set a target for Jumbo Visma just behind them.
Have a good day today.. 🙂
Tour de France 2020: Stage 17 – Heading for the big blue
Posted on September 19, 2020
Stage 17 the Queen stage this year, takes 168km between Grenoble and the newly-built cycling route to the summit of the Col de la Loze. This first image shows the peloton heading towards the mountains, which to my eye, looked like a frontier that was big and very blue. Simply stunning…
Have a good day today.. 🙂
Tour de France 2020: Stage 16 – Lennard Kämna Wins!
Posted on September 19, 2020