Hola! After the rest day, the last part of La Vuelta a Espana moves into Galicia where the crosswinds and high-kick roads continue to characterise this great race. Today’s course began on the coast and then turned inland working through towns and villages. The breakaway was led by Daniel Teklehaimanot of MTN-Qhubeka, the first African team to enter the race but in the end it was a sprinter’s stage with a great win for John Degenkolb. Here are my drawings:
Hola! The third day in the mountains. Better weather than yesterday revealed the mountains in their glory, not to mention a great stage for Contador and Froome, battling it out uphill, while Cancellara showed how to handle a descent! Here are my drawings:
Hola! So good to be back after some unforeseen interruptions and technical hitches I’ve had the past few days. The peloton definitely left me behind, you might say! Stage 11 took a searing course through the Navarro mountains. Hot and steep, the riders hauled their way to the top. Sadly, there was another crash for Quintana and his Vuelta finally came to an end, but for Spanish fans there was great delight as the stage was won by Fabio Aru. Gruelling but terrific! Here are my drawings:
Hola! Stage 10 saw an elaborate start to the second time trial, weaving through the terracotta walls of the monastery. From there, the course travelled through the province of Zaragossa to Borja in sunshine. Quintana began his first day in red well but suffered a dreadful crash on a bend. He recovered well enough to complete but lost his red jersey to the amazing Contador, riding so well after the appalling injury he sustained in the Tour. You just wouldn’t know it to look at him- amazing! Here are my drawings:
Bonjour! Stage10, was absolutely amazing. Riders toiling into the mountains through sunshine, rain and fog for over 4 hours – only to be rewarded with the near vertical climb at La Planche des Belles Filles, the killer hill! Contador sadly retired after an appalling fall. A brilliant ride by Rodriguez was outshone by Vincenzo Nibali who was first over the hill. A memorable Bastille Day! Thank goodness it’s a rest day tomorrow – we can all calm down a bit! See you on Wednesday – Here are my drawings:
Bonjour! Stage 8 saw the first climbing section in France. Another mixed day of weather, the stage starting in good sunshine with riders looking relaxed and smiling. As the stage progressed and the land rose, down came the rain once again, putting everyone to the test. Nip and tuck all the way, there was delight for the French as Blel Kadri took the stage win. The battle for second nearly as exciting, with Nibali, Contador and Chavanel going for glory. Congratulations! Here are my drawings:
Bonjour! Stage 21 is the celebration stage. Rolling out from the Palace of Versailles and heading for Paris in the evening for a twighlight sprint around the Champs-Élysées. Setting off in beautiful late afternoon sunshine, all the riders looked relaxed and in good mood. This year, the sprint went round the Arc du Triomphe and there was an immense battle, the win was Kittel’s. Sky came together to cross the line in support of their leader in yellow jersey. What a race and what a finish? Can’t wait until next year! Here are my drawings:
