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.. 🙂

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.. 🙂

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.. 🙂

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.. 🙂

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.. 🙂

The story of Stage 18 will be long remembered because of its finish, with the Ineos Grenadiers’ Stage win for Michal Kwiatkowski and Richard Carapaz. They crossed the line together and it was a lovely moment of great generosity.

Have a good day today.. 🙂

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.. 🙂

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.. 🙂

There are many fans who not only come out to cheer on and witness the spectacle of the Tour, but also provide a bit of entertainment themselves. Here is a prime example, a huge Obelix, at the side of the road, in hid fetching blue and white trousers!

Have a good day today.. 🙂

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.. 🙂

The stage was dominated most of the way by Bahrain McLaren and Jumbo Visma, but then the mighty climb at the end of a long day produced an astounding break at 2.8km from Astana’s Miquel Angel Lopez, who powered through to take the win… Oh Superman!

Have a good day today.. 🙂

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.. 🙂