July is awesome.
And this July was even awesomer. Yes, that’s a word look it up.
With the Tour de France back this year in its proper time slot we witnessed a most satisfying event. Okay so there were some massive crashes, some caused by stupid fans, some by weather, some by riders speeding along at 30 miles an hour for days on end in a moving mass of man and metal, er, carbon fiber. But none the less it was a spectacle to watch.
I watched and drew pictures every day — most of the time with Keith, the Birdman. Either we were together or on the phone and always giving our critiques of the announcers as they vamped their way through several hours of not much happening as we waited for the critical moments like sprints, attacks and yes, crashes.
Green was the new yellow.
The Manx Missile, Mark Cavendish made a brilliant comeback during the tour this year. Winning four sprint stages to claim a tie with Eddy Merckx with 34 Tour de France stage victories. Great fun to watch although too much crying for me personally. Really, I like Cav but Eddy didn’t cry, at least in public. Different time I guess.
Double Ventoux.
If climbing Mont Ventoux isn’t a big deal on its own this year they did it twice in one stage. And none other than the Beast from Belgium Wout van Aert stomped out a most impressive victory showing the peloton who the real KOM was that day. Is there nothing this Superman can’t do? I’m a huge fan you might have guessed.
First time in Yellow.
Mathieu van der Poel claimed his first day in Yellow on the Mûr-de-Bretagne by launching an early attack which couldn’t be followed. Simply a powerful display of talent and passion. He proudly wore yellow for six days before heading to Tokyo for the Olympic Games.
Second time in Yellow.
Tadej Pogačar claimed his second overall Tour de France title, along with the KOM and White Jersey, with his aggressive attacks in the mountains and his steady, locomotive like speedy time trials. He is a real champion and at the age of 22, he should be a force to be dealt with for many years.
Merci
Thank you for following my posts this year, hopefully next summer I can do it from France again. At least that’s the plan at the moment. I know I’m very lucky to be able to share my passion for cycling with you and I do really appreciate your continuing support.
