The Ecuadorian rider Richard Carapaz made the next explosive break; he is a firecracker of a rider! He is the current champion of the Giro d’Italia and his class and strength on this climb burst through.

Have a good day today.. 🙂

This break in Stage 16 shown here, began with Guillaume Martin of Team Cofidis, at 25.5km, along with his team-mate Nicolas Edet. Martin is riding high in the General Classification and his strength is no flash in the pan, but the bold move was short-lived being pulled back at 20km.

Have a good day today.. 🙂

Stage 16 saw several attacks throughout, this one saw Quentin Pacher ride with determination on the ascent to the last climb of the day. He maintained a healthy gap on the peloton, until he was later reeled in.

Have a good day today.. 🙂

Another team in the race is Education First, (born out of Garmin). They wear a fantastic pink and navy strip, which I love, as you can always spot them easily. This second image shows a nice moment between team-mates, Rigoberto Uran from Colombia and Hugh John Carthy from Lancashire in the UK, riding and chatting together.

Have a good day today.. 🙂

Stage 16 saw the race resume after its second rest day and 100% all clear COVID-19 test results. It looks like the race will go to Paris, but first there is the matter of more mountain stages… no small matter. At this point the man in Polka Dots is Benoit Cosnefroy, but things may change.

This first scene shows a long train of riders heading for the mountains in the region of Chartreuse, the trees were appropriately, a most beautiful shade of yellow-green…

Have a good day today.. 🙂

The climax to Stage 15 was the nearest you’ll see to a bunch sprint from climbers and was a remarkable finish to the day. The pace was set by Wout Van Aert, and drew a group dash, lead by Primož Roglič currently in Yellow and his great friend and compatriot, Tadej Pogačar. They flew to the line, amazing in itself, given the climb they had just made and this time Pogačar took the win, gasping – sensational!

Have a good day today.. 🙂

This image from Stage 15, shows the moment when Nairo Quintana of Arkéa-Samsi, gave his friend Egan Bernal, the current champion, a consoling tap on the back as he rode alongside him and his team mates from Ineos Grenadiers. Bernal was struggling, which was painful to see. The Grand Colombier proved to be too much for both of them, as Quintana too, fell out of the overall standings later on. A tough day.

Have a good day today.. 🙂

This next image from Stage 15, shows another view of the fans at the start of the climb to the Grand Colombier, standing on a road that was ridiculously steep and greeting the two riders who were together at this point, Pierre Rolland of B&B Hotels-Vital Concept and Michael Gogl of NTT Pro Cycling.

Have a good day today.. 🙂

This opening image from Stage 15, is a little panorama of the crowds and lead group on the Grand Colombier, the final climb in this gruelling stage. There were so many flags – all nationalities – It’s wonderful to see everyone together, willing these riders on – Fantastic!

Have a good day today.. 🙂

This image from Stage 14, shows Søren Kragh Andersen dashing to the winning line with the sun behind him. Appropriate in a way, as Andersen rides for Team Sunweb – and their performance today was brilliant.

Have a good day today.. 🙂

This second image from Stage 14, follows the last, in that it shows the outcome of the attack by Bora–Hansgrohe on Deceuninck–Quick-Step. The pressure was too much and the image shows Green Jersey rider, Sam Bennett thanking his team mate for valiant efforts, but resigned to the fact that it was not going to be their day…

Have a good day today.. 🙂

This image from Stage 13 was made as the leading trio of Daniel Martínez (EF Pro Cycling) and the two Bora-Hansgrohe men Max Schachmann and Lennard Kämna  were making their way towards the steep slopes of the Puy Mary in the Massif Central. This scene shows them passing by a house that was decked in flags – a lovely welcome seen everywhere as the Tour passes by.

Have a good day today.. 🙂

Stage 13 was another gruelling day for the riders. I am fascinated by the measures riders take to deal with cramps or indeed avoid them, while riding for such long distances. This rider suddenly took a stretch over to the right, that made his legs look as though they were made of elastic!

A stretch that looked almost balletic! 🙂

Have a good day today.. 🙂