Another week has gone and we’re now without two incredible sporting events: the women’s Euros and the Tour de France.
Even though I don’t bicycle (because of a near-death experience as a child), I love watching the Tour de France. I can’t relate to the athleticism required to win, but nonetheless I tune in each morning when the race starts.
What is it? The hundred-plus cyclists, the rainbow of jerseys (not to be mistaken for the rainbow jersey), the thousands of fans that line the street, or is it gorgeous scenary from the mountains to the dramatic finish in Paris?
Either way, the tournament always brings out some incredible photos. Here are just three I liked from the final couple days:
Stage 20
I wish I could find the original source for this image, but I came up unlucky whilst scrolling through Jered Gruber’s instagram. He’s got some incredible pictues on there, but this one looks insane. I remember Stage 20 being particularly brutal.
Ivan Romeo
You might find it hard to believe by looking at this picture, but Spanish champion Ivan Romeo completed this stage (again Stage 20) and the tour itself.
Romeo was part of the lead group during a very wet Stage 20 from Nantuato to Pontarlier, and suffered a nasty crash while rounding a bend. It seemed his bicycle just lost traction and Romeo could be seen sliding on the pavement and colliding hard with the curb.
He looked pretty beat up and it wasn’t known at the time if he’d be able to continue. Thankfully he did, and the above picture is him after crossing the finish line.
The climb up Monmartre
Tour organisers altered the final day of the course this year. Instead of the traditional loops around Paris, this stage featured a new route.
Aside from the rain, it paid off in divdends. Wout Van Aert broke past Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar to win the stage and we were given an incredible view of the Côte de la Butte Montmartre.
Fitzie’s track of the day: Trans-Europe Express, by Kraftwerk
And now for your links:
The Athletic ($$): “If Spurs aren’t signing Morgan Gibbs-White, who are the closest alternatives?”
The Standard: “Tottenham XI vs Arsenal: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for pre-season friendly”
BBC: “Morecambe suspended from the National League”