We arrived at Mont Ventoux four days ahead of the race, only to find that basically all spots suitable for camping were taken. When the Tour de France riders arrived on July 14th, between 500.000 and 1.000.000 spectators was estimated.
© Christer Hedberg | christerhedberg.se
Some people bike up Mont Ventoux, others run. Antoine had started in Bédoin, a 21 kilometer constant ascent.
© Christer Hedberg | christerhedberg.se
The Giant of Provence, The Beast of Provence or The Bald Mountain. The many names of Mont Ventoux speaks its own language – the mountain demands its respect.
© Christer Hedberg | christerhedberg.se
Sitting next to his camper car way up on in the ”lunar desert” section of Mont Ventoux, he cheers on the cyclists going up the mountain.
© Christer Hedberg | christerhedberg.se
Alberto Contador passes the finish line and all hell breaks loose. All TV channels wants the best shot of him at the same time. Mission impossible.
© Christer Hedberg | christerhedberg.se
A peloton of cyclist has its very own sound. A wonderful swoshing sound. Today I experienced a new sound of a different peloton, the peloton of journalists. There is a distinct sound building up when a popular rider like Daniel Martin is approaching the finish line. And then…swosh, in the blink of an eye we’re all surrounding the rider.
© Christer Hedberg | christerhedberg.se
Having finished the 33 kilometer time trial stage from Avranches to Mont-Saint-Michel, Mikel Nieve Ituralde stays in the finish area for a few minutes before he rolls off to find the team bus.
© Christer Hedberg | christerhedberg.se
Only a few seconds after the finish and with lactic acid still painfully exploding in his legs, Bauke Mollema is surronded by journalists and photographers.
© Christer Hedberg | christerhedberg.se
Warming up for his time trial stage, the Team Belkin rider is going flat out on his bike in front of the mist fan.
© Christer Hedberg | christerhedberg.se
With only minutes left until his start at today’s time trial stage, Egoitz Garcia Etxegibel is waiting in the holding area after the bike control.
© Christer Hedberg | christerhedberg.se
Mark Cavendish sprints off the start ramp at the time trial stage between Avranches and Mont-Saint-Michel.
© Christer Hedberg | christerhedberg.se
Mark Cavendish at the start of today’s time trial stage at Tour de France.
© Christer Hedberg | christerhedberg.se
Roy Curver, of the Argos Shimano team, relaxing before the start of the time trial stage to Mont Saint Michel.
© Christer Hedberg | christerhedberg.se
