After some shopping at Nice’s main market on Sunday, I overheard these men talking about the upcoming intricacies of the day’s stage. Thinking there had to be something interesting in the newspapers they were reading, I bought one. I was wrong, but I found myself intrigued by the grainy feel of this thing I used to buy every morning back in the day, but now get in digital form. I still read real books, but I sometimes wonder how long that will go on.
But I digress. Here, in digital form, is Tony Gallopin, who nearly got in the way of my photo of his wife, pro racer, Marion Rousse.
A couple more French riders: Romain Bardet and Kevin Reza, followed by an Astana rider who apparently didn’t get the right weather info.
Tyler Ferrar telling a tall tale to fellow tatted and bearded strongman, Tom Boonen.
And then they were off; yellow jersey wearer (and keeper), Geraint Thomas in front.
That was 11am. Shoko and I had just enough time to walk back to the hotel and check out, pack up the car, find a place to eat some lunch, then find a place to have another lunch because Shoko wasn’t satisfied with the first one, and walk back to the Promenade des Anglais just in time to see this: Richie Porte, Alberto Contador and eventual winner, Tim Wellens, finishing not quite far enough away from a raging Thomas.
The Vicious Cycle 
I didn’t realise Ms Rousse was still racing. I watch her in her other work as a pundit on French Eurosport all the time. She’s a very good analyst and interviewer. And not too hard on the eyes. I was actually looking for their outdoor booth where they interview Couldn’t find it. By the way did you see the guy about 50 years old that was stopping all the pros getting their autographs. Super fan. Knew all of the pros by name. Even got to see George Hincapie that he spotted talking to Sean Yates in front of Tinkoff bus.
I think Shoko saw that guy looking for autographs. I’m getting more assertive at these things these days, so that might be me in a few years if I’m not careful! I never saw Hincapie, either. That would have been a real blast from the past.
Hi Gerry,
I just looked at your pic on the run in to the finish and can see the 300 meter marker in the distance. We must have been meters from each other cause we were at about the 200 mark.