Bonjour! Stage 21 is always a celebration and this year was no exception. All the jerseys were in place for a triumphant roll into lovely Paris. Very emotional at the end of another great Tour – which seemed to have everything! Here are my drawings:
Tag: yellow jersey
Tour de France 2014: Stage 20 – Bergerac to Périgueux
Bonjour! Stage 20 saw the first and only time trial of this year’s Tour. This stage established the final positions for the podium for this year. Inevitably, the World Champion, Tony Martin took the stage win and the smoothest of smooth run by Vincenzo Nibali confirmed him as overall winner, but the interest really lay with the battle for second place. The new crop of French stars won through although there was heartbreak for Romain Bardet whose bike change en route cost him vital minutes, leaving him bewildered in sixth place, but Jean-Christophe Peraud and Thibaut Pinot, came 2nd and…
Tour de France 2014: Stage 19 – Maubourguet Pays du Val d’Adour to Bergerac
Bonjour! Stage19 saw the beginning of the route home to Paris. The course travelled through the area of the Dordogne in pouring, pouring rain. So much rain! The visibility was so bad and the roads so slippery an accident felt more than likely to happen. It did, right at the last and it was a big one. Leading through most of the stage was TJ Slagter, but it was Ramunas Navardauskas from Lithuania who navigated past the carnage to take the stage win, brilliantly holding his lead against the chasing pack. Here are my drawings:
Tour de France 2014: Stage 18 – Pau to Hautacam
Bonjour! Stage18 was the third and final day in the Pyrenees. It was a decisive stage, with King of the Mountains and Green Jersey, not to mention Yellow, really set for this year. All they have to do is stay in the saddle until Sunday and all will be well! Nibali crossed the line with quiet authority after another incredible performance. Here are my drawings:
Tour de France 2014: Stage 17 – Saint-Gaudens to Saint-Lary Pla d’Adet
Bonjour! Stage17 saw the second day in the Pyrenees. Another hard stage with great climbs and descents. The race lead passed through several hands over the course of the stage, including a great spell by Kiriyenka of team Sky. Romain Bardet handled the descents with alarming grace but the win came again for Rafal Majka, King of the Mountains. Yellow jersey stays on the back of the amazing Nibali. Here are my drawings:
Tour de France 2014: Stage 16 – Carcassonne to Bagnères-de-Luchon
Bonjour! Stage16 was the first day in the Pyrenees. The sun shone, the road rose high and the riders descended at breakneck speeds. Australian rider, Mick Rogers won his first stage after ten years of taking part in the Tour. Absolutely brilliant, he so deserved it and even crossed the winning line with a bow. Ripper! Here are my drawings:
Tour de France 2014: Stage 15 – Tallard to Nîmes
Bonjour! Stage15 was a long stage leaving the Alps and heading through the south of France towards the Pyrenees. The course passed through classic French countryside, but with crosswinds and storms at times, it was still a challenge for the riders. Two made an impressive breakaway lead by Martin Elmiger and Jack Bauer. At the end of the stage they were caught and passed by the head of the peloton – all sprinters – and there was nothing either man could do to assuage the onslaught! Amazing stuff – can’t wait for Stage 16! Here are my drawings:
