Much of the focus of this year’s race has been on these two riders – Chris Froome and, from this stage onwards, Geraint Thomas. Fantastic riding from them both and Thomas took the Yellow Jersey just a few seconds after this… I dare not say anymore as the finish is so close now! All the paintings are for sale (unless marked SOLD). Click to buy Thank you! 🙂 For full details, please visit Picture Info
Bonjour! Stage 21, the triumphal ride into Paris! The sun came out – a relief after the past two days and there was the usual friendly handshakes and congratulations to the Yellow Jersey. Team Sky were in good mood, enjoying beer en route and all processed gracefully to Paris. The racing began on the Champs-Élysées. The win went to André Greipel like last year, but all the more sweet for him as a stage win had eluded him this Tour. Finally, the champions, Team Sky brought home their man, Chris Froome – a brilliant third win. Definitely time for a…
Bonjour! Stage 20 The last Alpine stage and, nearly the end of the race! In some ways it was a continuation of yesterday – pouring rain, tough climbs and daring descents. The stage began with silence to remember the victims of the terror attack in Munich, so sadly, my dove appears again. There were brave rides by Alaphilippe, Pantano and Nibali but the outstanding descent came from Movistar’s Ion Izagirre, who took the stage win. It was fitting that Poels and Froome crossed the last mountain together, Froome riding on to win the whole race along with all his eight comrades from Team…
Bonjour! Stage 19 was an amazing stage. It had everything, from sunshine to torrential rain, from brave breakaways to individual brilliance. The Astana team went to the front, took a look around and just went for it! They led for much of the day. The rain came towards the end of the stage, changing everything, suddenly everyone was losing balance, some falling badly including Pierre Rolland and Chris Froome, the latter completing the stage on another borrowed bike. He was helped along the last painful metres by his team-mate, Wout Pouels. At the finish, one of cycling’s best descenders, Romain Bardet, stole…
Bonjour! Stage 18 was the second time-trial of this year’s Tour. This one was an uphill course where time-trial specialist, Tom Dumoulin was expected to repeat his sparkling performance from Stage 13. He put in a great time which no-one could catch, until Chris Froome set out. At the first time-check he was in 5th place, ‘unusual for him’ said the commentator. At the second time-check, he had gained 14 seconds and was speeding up. After the descent, he stormed home to victory, riding 21 seconds faster than Dumoulin. An incredible ride! Here are my drawings:
Bonjour! Stage 9 was a magical stage – for me at least – maybe less so for those riding it! I’ve always loved the Pyrenees, love it when the Tour nips over the border to Spain and Andorra is a special place for my husband and me. This visit was exceptional – a stage of two halves – extreme heat, blazing sunshine, followed by an almighty hailstorm at the close – sol y sombra and more! Both conditions provided great images to capture. In the race itself, Alberto Contador was the notable retirement (there haven’t been many thankfully), Team Sky and BMC were…
Bonjour! Stage 8 took place in the heart of the Pyrenees with four Cols to conquer! The Col du Tourmalet fell victim to Thibaut Pinot and Rafael Majka but thereafter, Team Sky launched their predatory attack on the race. They caught, they passed and then in a move, that looked to be inspired by Stephen Cummings yesterday, Chris Froome powered away in the most extraordinary descent. He was amazing, his long arms and legs made him look as though he was on someone else’s bike! Quite simply, he was brilliant, taking the stage win and with it the Yellow Jersey. Familiar territory for him,…
