Tribute to Tour de France 2010Tribute to Tour de France 2010

Tribute to the Tour de France 2010Tribute to the Tour de France 2010

This slideshow is meant as a tribute to all the This slideshow is meant as a tribute to all the brave riders who participated in Tour de France brave riders who participated in Tour de France 2010.2010.

To those who made it to the finish line in Paris, To those who made it to the finish line in Paris, to those who unfortunately didn’t make it, to the to those who unfortunately didn’t make it, to the big stars, the fallen legends, the lieutenants and big stars, the fallen legends, the lieutenants and all the riders who day after day did a all the riders who day after day did a tremendous effort to help their captains make it tremendous effort to help their captains make it to the top.to the top.

This is a tribute to everyone who made Tour de This is a tribute to everyone who made Tour de France 2010 one of the most exciting races in France 2010 one of the most exciting races in years.years.

Tribute to the Tour de France 2010Tribute to the Tour de France 2010

Before we start I would like to share with you a little bit of my own Before we start I would like to share with you a little bit of my own relationship with cycling and especially the TDF because my interess in relationship with cycling and especially the TDF because my interess in cycling started with the Tour de France.cycling started with the Tour de France.

It all started back in 1993 – I was twelwe – and almost by coincidence I It all started back in 1993 – I was twelwe – and almost by coincidence I stumbled over Tour de France. I think it was my father who followed the stumbled over Tour de France. I think it was my father who followed the transmission on TV which that day happened to be a transmission from one transmission on TV which that day happened to be a transmission from one of the mountain stages. And I was completely sold. It was dramatic like an of the mountain stages. And I was completely sold. It was dramatic like an intense movie with drive and a very high pulse. intense movie with drive and a very high pulse.

Tribute to Tour de France 2010Tribute to Tour de France 2010 I remember seeing Indurain, Rominger, Jaskula and…oh yes, a Dane by the name I remember seeing Indurain, Rominger, Jaskula and…oh yes, a Dane by the name

Bjarne Riis. The fact that he did so well in the 1993 edition kind of started a TDF trip Bjarne Riis. The fact that he did so well in the 1993 edition kind of started a TDF trip in Denmark back then. in Denmark back then.

But for me it was especially looking into the eyes of the the riders when they were But for me it was especially looking into the eyes of the the riders when they were exposed in a kind of way that almost seemed inhuman. That was breathtaking. exposed in a kind of way that almost seemed inhuman. That was breathtaking. Because unlike the movie you know that the gun is not loaded with loose Because unlike the movie you know that the gun is not loaded with loose gunpowder…you either die or live to become a hero.gunpowder…you either die or live to become a hero.

And so, that one day in July 17 years ago I got addicted to Tour de France.And so, that one day in July 17 years ago I got addicted to Tour de France. I always look forward to the TDF and I have many great momories of spectaculor I always look forward to the TDF and I have many great momories of spectaculor

battles in beautiful scenarios. And the surroundings are exactely one of the things battles in beautiful scenarios. And the surroundings are exactely one of the things that make the race. I’m not just talking about the flat road or the mountains – I’m also that make the race. I’m not just talking about the flat road or the mountains – I’m also referring to the weather conditions: Extreme heat, rain, wind or even snow as we saw referring to the weather conditions: Extreme heat, rain, wind or even snow as we saw it in 1996 on top of Col du Galibiere. Conditions the riders cannot change but only try it in 1996 on top of Col du Galibiere. Conditions the riders cannot change but only try to submit or take advantage of the best way possibleto submit or take advantage of the best way possible..

The above was just a very brief description of my relationship to the Tour de France and my entrance into the world of The above was just a very brief description of my relationship to the Tour de France and my entrance into the world of cycling. Actually I could write a whole novel about that but that is not the purpose with this little slide show.cycling. Actually I could write a whole novel about that but that is not the purpose with this little slide show.

Tribute to Tour de France 2010Tribute to Tour de France 2010 The 2010 edition of TDF did certainly The 2010 edition of TDF did certainly

not lack on moments of excitement …not lack on moments of excitement …on the contrary. One of the reasons on the contrary. One of the reasons was definitely the very close match in was definitely the very close match in the top of the GC. When nothing is the top of the GC. When nothing is settled it forcees the riders in the settled it forcees the riders in the leading positions to continuously leading positions to continuously attacking the opponent and it leaves attacking the opponent and it leaves them more vulnerable and more them more vulnerable and more emotional. Very few people master the emotional. Very few people master the art of showing a pokerface if they are art of showing a pokerface if they are under constant pressure. And when under constant pressure. And when you are only talking about a gap on you are only talking about a gap on seconds to your closest rival then you seconds to your closest rival then you are indeed under pressure and you are are indeed under pressure and you are forced to either attack or defend forced to either attack or defend youself with everything you got.youself with everything you got.

Tribute to the Tour de France 2010Tribute to the Tour de France 2010

I was truly entertained this summer and was left in a kind I was truly entertained this summer and was left in a kind of no-man’s land when the three week’s drama had of no-man’s land when the three week’s drama had ended. It always feels like a bit of a ”cold turkey”. Like I ended. It always feels like a bit of a ”cold turkey”. Like I said before: I’m addicted, and the first week after it’s all said before: I’m addicted, and the first week after it’s all over, is my week of rehab.over, is my week of rehab.

Tribute to the Tour de France 2010Tribute to the Tour de France 2010

As everyone else I of course have my personal favorite - a As everyone else I of course have my personal favorite - a champion I hope will end on the top of the podium in Paris – that’s champion I hope will end on the top of the podium in Paris – that’s inevitable I think.inevitable I think.

I’m therefore sorry if the above is to obvious in this slide show. I’m therefore sorry if the above is to obvious in this slide show. Because my main goal is not to glorify just one champion but rather Because my main goal is not to glorify just one champion but rather to glorify the race itself and all it’s events.to glorify the race itself and all it’s events.

Let the show beginLet the show begin

I have chosen to make a chronologically I have chosen to make a chronologically presentation of the Tour de France 2010 – presentation of the Tour de France 2010 – because it is the most obvious and easy way to because it is the most obvious and easy way to do it do it

I will give my comments during the description of I will give my comments during the description of the different stages…sometimes just objective the different stages…sometimes just objective comments – sometimes my very personal comments – sometimes my very personal comments.comments.

So let the show beginSo let the show begin

Presentation of the routePresentation of the route

Lance ArmstrongLance Armstrong Andy SchleckAndy Schleck Alberto ContadorAlberto Contador

I look very much forward to I look very much forward to seeing these three and more seeing these three and more champions in action…champions in action…

The RouteThe Route

The 2010 route looks The 2010 route looks indeed very hard.indeed very hard.

We can await an We can await an amazing and exciting amazing and exciting TourTour

The PrologueThe Prologue

Fabian the TT world Fabian the TT world champion wins (not champion wins (not surprisingly) the prologue. surprisingly) the prologue. The great Swiss certainly The great Swiss certainly shows us that he can live shows us that he can live up to our expectations.up to our expectations.

The GC has now been The GC has now been settled before the first settled before the first stagestage

Stage 1Stage 1

First match between the sprinters is won by First match between the sprinters is won by Italian phenomenon Alessandro PetacchiItalian phenomenon Alessandro Petacchi

Cancellara and team Saxo Bank have no Cancellara and team Saxo Bank have no problems in defending the yellow problems in defending the yellow

Stage 2Stage 2 We are in the hometown of legend Eddy We are in the hometown of legend Eddy

Merckx.Merckx. Winner of stage is Sylvian Chavanel who Winner of stage is Sylvian Chavanel who

went away in a solo break out.went away in a solo break out. But we witness a lot of drama after a mass But we witness a lot of drama after a mass

crash in one of the wet and slippery crash in one of the wet and slippery descents.descents.

The brothers Schleck, Contador and The brothers Schleck, Contador and Armstrong among others crash and the Armstrong among others crash and the peloton split into three minor groups with the peloton split into three minor groups with the Schleck brothers in the last group. Schleck brothers in the last group. Cancellara in the front group is able to calm Cancellara in the front group is able to calm the race down in order to merge the the race down in order to merge the different pelotons. He succeeds and the different pelotons. He succeeds and the race of the peloton in the end gets annulled. race of the peloton in the end gets annulled. The only one not involved in the drama is The only one not involved in the drama is stage winner Chavanel. He rides his own stage winner Chavanel. He rides his own race that day.race that day.

A lot of comments were made about the A lot of comments were made about the annulment and it was truly a spectacular annulment and it was truly a spectacular scenario. Of course it could have added a scenario. Of course it could have added a little more excitement to the race if the little more excitement to the race if the peloton had continued under the peloton had continued under the circumstances. But I’m really surprised circumstances. But I’m really surprised though to see the authority Cancellara though to see the authority Cancellara possesses. possesses.

Stage 3Stage 3 One of the most exciting stages of the Tour One of the most exciting stages of the Tour

because of its sections with the because of its sections with the cobblestone. It is not for no reason they call cobblestone. It is not for no reason they call it “Hell of the North” when they do the Paris-it “Hell of the North” when they do the Paris-Roubaix in springtime. Winner is Norwegian Roubaix in springtime. Winner is Norwegian champ Thor Hushoved who was also one of champ Thor Hushoved who was also one of the favorites for this stage because of his the favorites for this stage because of his great technical skills on the cobblestones. great technical skills on the cobblestones.

I’m really amazed though by the way Andy I’m really amazed though by the way Andy Schleck is able to follow the wheel of Schleck is able to follow the wheel of teammate Fabian Cancellara…really teammate Fabian Cancellara…really amazing – he shows us a different side of amazing – he shows us a different side of himself. Besides Schleck the front group himself. Besides Schleck the front group also counts favorite Cadel Evansalso counts favorite Cadel Evans

Unfortunately Fränk Schleck crashes in one Unfortunately Fränk Schleck crashes in one of the difficult cobblestone sections and is of the difficult cobblestone sections and is forced to exit the Tour with a broken collar forced to exit the Tour with a broken collar bonebone

Both Contador and Armstrong suffer from Both Contador and Armstrong suffer from either technical defects or crashes and they either technical defects or crashes and they end up loosing time to Schleck and Evans.end up loosing time to Schleck and Evans.

Cancellara reconqueres the yellow jersey.Cancellara reconqueres the yellow jersey.

Stage 3Stage 3

Stage 3Stage 3 I must say this: I don’t like to see when riders crash…unfortunately it is an inevitable part of I must say this: I don’t like to see when riders crash…unfortunately it is an inevitable part of

the race and it’s drama. The most dramatic crash I have witnessed was definitely Fabian the race and it’s drama. The most dramatic crash I have witnessed was definitely Fabian Casartelli back in 95. I thank God that it hardly ever ends up that way…Casartelli back in 95. I thank God that it hardly ever ends up that way…

Stage 4Stage 4

Alessandro Petacchi Alessandro Petacchi wins his 2nd victory wins his 2nd victory and Fabian and Fabian Cancellara keeps the Cancellara keeps the yellow.yellow.

Stage 5Stage 5 He finally gets his stage – The He finally gets his stage – The

King of Sprinters – Mark King of Sprinters – Mark Cavendish.Cavendish.

And he was so moved that he And he was so moved that he cried on the podium…what a cried on the podium…what a beautiful thing to actually see beautiful thing to actually see him so overwhelmed with him so overwhelmed with feelings. It was such a relieve feelings. It was such a relieve for him.for him.

For me moments like that are For me moments like that are not easily forgotten.not easily forgotten.

They are actually a great part They are actually a great part of the big drama that we of the big drama that we witness every day witness every day

Stage 6Stage 6

Alberto Contador prior to Alberto Contador prior to the start.the start.

HTC Columbia is leading HTC Columbia is leading the peloton and helping the peloton and helping Mark Cavendish win his Mark Cavendish win his second stage. It seems second stage. It seems like “The Cannonball” is like “The Cannonball” is starting to warm up now ;)starting to warm up now ;)

Stage 7Stage 7 Sylvian Chavanel wins his second Sylvian Chavanel wins his second

stage and takes over the yellow - stage and takes over the yellow - again. First weeks battle for the again. First weeks battle for the yellow has definitely been yellow has definitely been between Chavanel and Cancellara between Chavanel and Cancellara and it has been rather interesting and it has been rather interesting to follow their internal battle. to follow their internal battle.

But the battle is far from over and But the battle is far from over and the peloton will soon reach the the peloton will soon reach the mountains…I personally can’t waitmountains…I personally can’t wait

Stage 7Stage 7

Andy Schleck…Andy Schleck…getting ready for getting ready for the mountains..?the mountains..?

Stage 7Stage 7

And what are Lance And what are Lance Armstrong’s plans?Armstrong’s plans?

Stage 8Stage 8

We have reached the mountains. This year the Alps come before the Pyrenees.We have reached the mountains. This year the Alps come before the Pyrenees. Suddenly we see other riders in the front: Alberto Contador, Andy Schleck, Cadel Evans, Ivan Suddenly we see other riders in the front: Alberto Contador, Andy Schleck, Cadel Evans, Ivan

Basso, Dennis Menchov…Basso, Dennis Menchov… The day turns out to be incredibly hard for Lance Armstrong. He crashes three times during the The day turns out to be incredibly hard for Lance Armstrong. He crashes three times during the

stage and looses more that 11 min. After the stage he declares that his race for the overall stage and looses more that 11 min. After the stage he declares that his race for the overall victory is now over. We have witnessed it several times: A great rider - or king I should say - victory is now over. We have witnessed it several times: A great rider - or king I should say - taking a large fall: I could mention Greg Lemond in 1991, Miguel Indurain in 1996 etc. It is an taking a large fall: I could mention Greg Lemond in 1991, Miguel Indurain in 1996 etc. It is an inevitable part of the game…that a new generation in time will come and take over, but still the inevitable part of the game…that a new generation in time will come and take over, but still the images of these situations are images that will never vanish from my memory. I’m touched every images of these situations are images that will never vanish from my memory. I’m touched every time it happens and I can’t help feeling a kind of sympathy for the falling legends. time it happens and I can’t help feeling a kind of sympathy for the falling legends.

From the new generation - Andy Schleck shows his strength and wins the stage in front of From the new generation - Andy Schleck shows his strength and wins the stage in front of Samuel Sanchez.Samuel Sanchez.

World champion Cadel Evans is now new man in yellowWorld champion Cadel Evans is now new man in yellow The race is now getting exciting…The race is now getting exciting…

Stage 8Stage 8

LegendLegend: Lance Armstrong: Lance Armstrong

Stage 9Stage 9 Stage 9 gives us a good indication of who Stage 9 gives us a good indication of who

we can expect will be the combaters for the we can expect will be the combaters for the overall victory. A lot of interesting things overall victory. A lot of interesting things happen this day and the top of the GC is happen this day and the top of the GC is starting to take form.starting to take form.

Contador and Schleck are both very strong Contador and Schleck are both very strong and they have now started their mutual and they have now started their mutual battle. They attack on Col du la Madeleine battle. They attack on Col du la Madeleine and no one can follow the two on the climb. and no one can follow the two on the climb. Everyone's eyes lie on them. Especially Everyone's eyes lie on them. Especially Cadel Evans pays the price for their attack Cadel Evans pays the price for their attack and he ends up loosing several minutes and and he ends up loosing several minutes and the yellow to Andy Schleckthe yellow to Andy Schleck

French Superman – Sandy Casar who went French Superman – Sandy Casar who went away in an early break away wins the stage.away in an early break away wins the stage.

Anthony Chateau who was also in the break Anthony Chateau who was also in the break away takes over the polka-dot jersey.away takes over the polka-dot jersey.

I myself was unfortunately not able to see I myself was unfortunately not able to see this stage this stage I had to read about it in the I had to read about it in the paper the next day. So I really missed out paper the next day. So I really missed out on some great performances. But that’s life.on some great performances. But that’s life.

Stage 9Stage 9

Stage 10Stage 10 This day is a rather calm day for This day is a rather calm day for

the riders in the top of the GC. A the riders in the top of the GC. A breakaway reaches the finish line breakaway reaches the finish line with more than 14 min in front of with more than 14 min in front of the peloton.the peloton.

Sergio Paulinho from team Radio Sergio Paulinho from team Radio Shack is the fastest in the sprint in Shack is the fastest in the sprint in the breakaway group. His victory the breakaway group. His victory also is an opportunity for Radio also is an opportunity for Radio Shack to maintain the team’s Shack to maintain the team’s position in the battle for the team position in the battle for the team GC who by the moment is lead by GC who by the moment is lead by Caisse d’epargneCaisse d’epargne

Stage 10Stage 10

Stage 11Stage 11

Mark Cavendish wins his 3rd stage. He is truly the King of Sprinters. Mark Cavendish wins his 3rd stage. He is truly the King of Sprinters. Impressive!!Impressive!!

His lead out man - the fast Mark Renshaw - gets suspended from the race His lead out man - the fast Mark Renshaw - gets suspended from the race do to a headbutt between him and Julian Dean in the sprintdo to a headbutt between him and Julian Dean in the sprint

How will Cavendish handle the upcoming sprints without his lead out man? How will Cavendish handle the upcoming sprints without his lead out man? As last year Cavendish proves that he’s just on a higher level that the rest of As last year Cavendish proves that he’s just on a higher level that the rest of the sprinters. He is really fast and I don’t think the suspension of Renshaw the sprinters. He is really fast and I don’t think the suspension of Renshaw will be a problem for him. He will just figure out another strategy.will be a problem for him. He will just figure out another strategy.

Stage 12Stage 12 This stage includes the steepest This stage includes the steepest

climb of the Tour 2010climb of the Tour 2010 Contador takes a chance and Contador takes a chance and

attacks Schleck who is not able to attacks Schleck who is not able to follow him. Joaquin Rodriguez follow him. Joaquin Rodriguez wins the stage in front of wins the stage in front of Contador. Schleck looses 10 sec. Contador. Schleck looses 10 sec. to Contador and the difference to Contador and the difference between the two riders are now between the two riders are now only 31 sec.only 31 sec.

After this stage I’m only dreaming After this stage I’m only dreaming of the Pyrenees…of the Pyrenees…

Stage 12Stage 12

Stage 13Stage 13

Stage 13 is rather flat - nevertheless it has a climb not very far from Stage 13 is rather flat - nevertheless it has a climb not very far from the finish line. After catching the three escapers Alexandre the finish line. After catching the three escapers Alexandre Vinokourov breaks out from the peloton on the small climb, cheats Vinokourov breaks out from the peloton on the small climb, cheats all the sprinters and wins a beautiful victory. He is one of few riders all the sprinters and wins a beautiful victory. He is one of few riders who masters the art of breaking away and cheating the sprinters in who masters the art of breaking away and cheating the sprinters in the final even also in terrains without a little climb close to the finish the final even also in terrains without a little climb close to the finish like we saw it on Champs-Élysées in 2005.like we saw it on Champs-Élysées in 2005.

Stage 14Stage 14 The peloton has reached the Pyrenees The peloton has reached the Pyrenees

and Christophe Riblon wins the first and Christophe Riblon wins the first stage in this beautiful scenario.stage in this beautiful scenario.

We witness a kind of funny tactical We witness a kind of funny tactical match between Contador and Schleck match between Contador and Schleck – two combaters who only keep an eye – two combaters who only keep an eye on each other. Dennis Menchov takes on each other. Dennis Menchov takes advantage of the situation and gains advantage of the situation and gains time on both Schleck and Contador.time on both Schleck and Contador.

The two riders in the top of the GC The two riders in the top of the GC should not forget about the riders in should not forget about the riders in the 3rd, 4th and 5th place because the 3rd, 4th and 5th place because they will definitely seize the chance of they will definitely seize the chance of advancement whenever it comes. advancement whenever it comes.

Stage 15Stage 15 An unfortunate day for Andy Schleck. He looks incredibly strong but during a rather optimistic An unfortunate day for Andy Schleck. He looks incredibly strong but during a rather optimistic

attack on Port de Balés his chain drops and Contador of course sees it as his opportunity and attack on Port de Balés his chain drops and Contador of course sees it as his opportunity and attacks and leaves Schleck behind.attacks and leaves Schleck behind.

The stage is won by the popular French Champ Thomas Voeckler.The stage is won by the popular French Champ Thomas Voeckler. Contador takes over the yellow jersey and is now new leader of the race with only 8 sec to Andy Contador takes over the yellow jersey and is now new leader of the race with only 8 sec to Andy

Schleck who fought bravely on the last descent trying to minimize his time loss.Schleck who fought bravely on the last descent trying to minimize his time loss. You can say a lot of things about what happened on the stage that day. Should Contador have You can say a lot of things about what happened on the stage that day. Should Contador have

waited until Schleck’s chain had been fixed? I’m not sure myself but I’m sure of one thing: This is waited until Schleck’s chain had been fixed? I’m not sure myself but I’m sure of one thing: This is just one out of several episodes that makes this race incredibly interesting to follow. The question just one out of several episodes that makes this race incredibly interesting to follow. The question is now: What will Andy Schleck do? - more hard stages in the mountains are yet to come and he is now: What will Andy Schleck do? - more hard stages in the mountains are yet to come and he is now forced to attack.is now forced to attack.

Stage 15Stage 15

Stage 16Stage 16 As briefly mentioned before, a lot of As briefly mentioned before, a lot of

things were said about Contador’s things were said about Contador’s attack on Schleck as his chain attack on Schleck as his chain dropped on stage 15. But even though dropped on stage 15. But even though the press and some others (mostly the the press and some others (mostly the press I think) try to create an image of press I think) try to create an image of a quarrel between the to riders in the a quarrel between the to riders in the top of the GC because of what top of the GC because of what happened the dispute doesn’t last very happened the dispute doesn’t last very long. Contador personally apologizes long. Contador personally apologizes to Schleck who accepts his apology. to Schleck who accepts his apology. And so, if there ever were any hard And so, if there ever were any hard feelings between the two champs they feelings between the two champs they are now gone and thereby: end of are now gone and thereby: end of story. The only battle going on story. The only battle going on between them is continuously “just” the between them is continuously “just” the battle for the overall win.battle for the overall win.

Stage 16 - another hard day in the Stage 16 - another hard day in the mountains. We se legend Lance mountains. We se legend Lance Armstrong in a long impressive break Armstrong in a long impressive break away trying to win the stage but in the away trying to win the stage but in the end victory goes to French rider end victory goes to French rider Pierrick Fedrigo. Both Schleck and Pierrick Fedrigo. Both Schleck and Contador decides to stay in the Contador decides to stay in the peloton during this stage.peloton during this stage.

Stage 17Stage 17

The legendary stage with finish on the mountain of Tourmalet. We celebrate the 100th The legendary stage with finish on the mountain of Tourmalet. We celebrate the 100th anniversary of the great mountain and today it is the scene of what we can expect to be the final anniversary of the great mountain and today it is the scene of what we can expect to be the final battle between Contador and Schleck because this is probably Andy Schleck’s last chance of battle between Contador and Schleck because this is probably Andy Schleck’s last chance of taking back the yellow so we all expect an attack from him.taking back the yellow so we all expect an attack from him.

Samuel Sanchez - 3rd overall - crashes in the beginning of the stage but bravely continues and Samuel Sanchez - 3rd overall - crashes in the beginning of the stage but bravely continues and maintains his position.maintains his position.

Carlos Sastre attacks a bit after the crash of Samuel Sanchez. He sees this stage as his option. Carlos Sastre attacks a bit after the crash of Samuel Sanchez. He sees this stage as his option. During a long time he lies on his own between the peloton and a breakaway group in the front but During a long time he lies on his own between the peloton and a breakaway group in the front but on Tourmalet a wildly chasing peloton lead by Saxo Bank catches him. on Tourmalet a wildly chasing peloton lead by Saxo Bank catches him.

Schleck – as expected - attacks with 10 km to the finish. Unfortunately for him, the only rider Schleck – as expected - attacks with 10 km to the finish. Unfortunately for him, the only rider strong enough to follow him all the way is Alberto Contador. Schleck wins the stage and we have strong enough to follow him all the way is Alberto Contador. Schleck wins the stage and we have truly witnessed a fine match between two great champions. When Schleck couldn’t drop truly witnessed a fine match between two great champions. When Schleck couldn’t drop Contador from his wheel he started a psychological match without any success because Contador from his wheel he started a psychological match without any success because Contador doesn’t take that kind of bait. But it is rather lovely to see the riders playing in all facets. Contador doesn’t take that kind of bait. But it is rather lovely to see the riders playing in all facets. Lovely stage!Lovely stage!

Stage 17Stage 17

Stage 17Stage 17 I don’t think I will ever forget I don’t think I will ever forget

the way they passed the finish the way they passed the finish line together and nor their line together and nor their mutual gesture of great mutual gesture of great respect between one and respect between one and another.another.

That should be the spirit of That should be the spirit of sport. sport.

Stage 18Stage 18 A visit from the celebrities Tom A visit from the celebrities Tom

Cruise and Cameron Diaz who Cruise and Cameron Diaz who have come to France to have come to France to promote their new movie.promote their new movie.

We expect Mark Cavendish to We expect Mark Cavendish to take his 4th victory in the take his 4th victory in the beautiful city of Bordeaux - a beautiful city of Bordeaux - a city known for its fine and good city known for its fine and good wine and also a prestige win wine and also a prestige win for the sprinters.for the sprinters.

Mark Cavendish lives up to our Mark Cavendish lives up to our expectations and…yes he expectations and…yes he wins againwins again

Stage 19Stage 19 Just as we thought it probably couldn’t get Just as we thought it probably couldn’t get

more exciting Andy Schleck shows us that more exciting Andy Schleck shows us that he has certainly made his mind up about he has certainly made his mind up about fighting to the very end. Normally Contador fighting to the very end. Normally Contador would be the favorite of the two for stage would be the favorite of the two for stage 19’s time trial but wings are all of a sudden 19’s time trial but wings are all of a sudden growing out of the back of the young growing out of the back of the young Schleck.Schleck.

He actually starts the TT gaining time on He actually starts the TT gaining time on Contador and at one point he is only 2 sec Contador and at one point he is only 2 sec behind the man in yellow. In the end he behind the man in yellow. In the end he ends up only loosing 31 sec – I thought that ends up only loosing 31 sec – I thought that was very impressive.was very impressive.

The images of a very exhausted and The images of a very exhausted and relieved Contador after the TT is also one of relieved Contador after the TT is also one of the situations I will remember for a very long the situations I will remember for a very long time. It showed us he had a very hard day.time. It showed us he had a very hard day.

Fabian “Hercules” Cancellara is without no Fabian “Hercules” Cancellara is without no doubt the fastest this day and wins the TT in doubt the fastest this day and wins the TT in a very convincing manner.a very convincing manner.

Stage 19Stage 19

Stage 20Stage 20

I really love the last stage. I really love the last stage. I always have to see the whole I always have to see the whole

transmission. During this stage transmission. During this stage the riders get the opportunity the riders get the opportunity to give us a different kind of to give us a different kind of show. I wouldn’t miss out on show. I wouldn’t miss out on the chance to see their the chance to see their creative and spectacular creative and spectacular ideas. We experience new ideas. We experience new ones every year. And it is so ones every year. And it is so nice to actually see the riders nice to actually see the riders so relaxed before the big final so relaxed before the big final in the Champs Élysées.in the Champs Élysées.

Stage 20Stage 20 This year, the attention in the first part of the This year, the attention in the first part of the

stage especially goes to Team Radioshack stage especially goes to Team Radioshack and their clothing. The team shows up and their clothing. The team shows up wearing a new kind of jerseys – a black one wearing a new kind of jerseys – a black one with the number 28. They do that in order to with the number 28. They do that in order to draw attention to the fact that 28 mil. people draw attention to the fact that 28 mil. people worldwide suffer from cancer. In that way worldwide suffer from cancer. In that way we are all made aware of the important we are all made aware of the important work of the LiveSTRONG foundation work of the LiveSTRONG foundation created by Lance Armstrong himself. The created by Lance Armstrong himself. The TDF commissionaires though do not TDF commissionaires though do not approve of the “little” stunt and the team is approve of the “little” stunt and the team is asked to switch back into their normal asked to switch back into their normal jerseys. After a smaller quarrel between jerseys. After a smaller quarrel between Armstrong and the commissionaires the Armstrong and the commissionaires the riders agree to change. Armstrong though, riders agree to change. Armstrong though, is not satisfied but he certainly sends a is not satisfied but he certainly sends a message to all the spectators and draw message to all the spectators and draw attention to his very important work with his attention to his very important work with his foundation.foundation.

Stage 20Stage 20

As a last demonstration of, and celebration to the ongoing battle we As a last demonstration of, and celebration to the ongoing battle we have been witnessing over and over again between Contador and have been witnessing over and over again between Contador and Schleck during the past three weeks they give us their own little Schleck during the past three weeks they give us their own little show on the road as we approach Paris. A little attack from first show on the road as we approach Paris. A little attack from first Contador then a contra from Schleck and then again from…Contador then a contra from Schleck and then again from…

Stage 20Stage 20 Back to the race again. The Back to the race again. The

finish in Champs Élysées is finish in Champs Élysées is always something special. I always something special. I couldn’t imagine a scenario couldn’t imagine a scenario more beautiful than this more beautiful than this when it comes to the final of when it comes to the final of the world’s hardest cycling the world’s hardest cycling race.race.

There is always something There is always something magical about Paris - but this magical about Paris - but this last day of the Tour it gets last day of the Tour it gets even more magical.even more magical.

Stage 20Stage 20

The ”Cannonball” The ”Cannonball” wins yet another wins yet another victory…5 to him victory…5 to him and…and…

3 to Contador3 to Contador

Stage 20Stage 20

And let us just enjoy a few more picturesAnd let us just enjoy a few more pictures

TDF-winner 2010TDF-winner 2010

A very happy and relieved TDF-winner 2010A very happy and relieved TDF-winner 2010

TDF podium 2010TDF podium 2010

TDF – the jerseys 2010TDF – the jerseys 2010

I love the little shoes Petacchi has around his neck I love the little shoes Petacchi has around his neck

TDF – team GC winner 2010TDF – team GC winner 2010

Goodbye ParisGoodbye Paris

Goodbye TDF 2010Goodbye TDF 2010

To every one I failed to mention: You have definitely not been forgotten and To every one I failed to mention: You have definitely not been forgotten and I certainly don’t underestimate your importance to the race. This contribute I certainly don’t underestimate your importance to the race. This contribute consists of highlights but you all deserve a big medal for your effort.consists of highlights but you all deserve a big medal for your effort.

I apologize for the moments when words were not sufficient to describe the I apologize for the moments when words were not sufficient to describe the situations. I have had my share of days of jumping in the sofa or simply situations. I have had my share of days of jumping in the sofa or simply walking up and down the living room floor with the adrenaline pumping in walking up and down the living room floor with the adrenaline pumping in my body and even days when I could hardly dare to look at the TV screen.my body and even days when I could hardly dare to look at the TV screen.

And why do I as a spectator get adrenaline? Simply because I cannot stop And why do I as a spectator get adrenaline? Simply because I cannot stop living in the race and with the race. As said before: It is more that just a living in the race and with the race. As said before: It is more that just a exciting movie…it’s reality. And it goes on and on and on…exciting movie…it’s reality. And it goes on and on and on…

I’ll see you next year in 2011…I’ll see you next year in 2011…

Author: Inge Messerschmidt, Copenhagen, September 2010Author: Inge Messerschmidt, Copenhagen, September 2010