I like these images, taken as the teams rode over Rotterdam's Erasumus bridge for their main-stage introductions. Not only do several of them seem to foretell the rider's fortunes but I love all the pro details: watches, bracelets, limited edition sunglasses, everything spotless and perfect before the pain.
As usual Dave Zabriskie was having fun, sporting a Clint Eastwood circa Dirty Harry hairdo and playing air guitar as he no handed it downhill from the center span. See the little stop-motion video for yourself. His teammates loved it.
Then there was Sylvain Chavanel amusing his Quickstep boys by getting into a tuck for the descent. That buoyant mood would be reinforced with steely determination to get him two stage wins in the race.
Cadel, resplendent in white with his hard-won world championship stripes, looked off into the distance as if trying to see if he'd finally climb to the top of the podium in Paris.
Thomas Voeckler was flying his own colors as French National Road Race champion. He looked calm and confident, and that would eventually see him up the Port de Balès faster than anyone else to take Stage 15.
Nice watch, nice bracelet and a lot of pressure riding on his shoulders seems to weigh on Bradley Wiggins before he's even started. Let's hope he puts it together again next year.
5 Comments
Beautiful photography; I especially love the image of Evans pondering his future. I have always held the opinion that BMC executed the creation of his kit to perfectly (minimal, but still flashy enough to please the sponsors), and your photo makes it look immaculate (and I’m sure it was an inspiration to behold it in person).
I’m looking forward to seeing what you will do now that you have all engines firing.
Todd
Michael – The bracelet on Wiggins is a http://www.powerbalance.com. A good friend of mine is a distributor/investor in this product. Some call it snake oil and some won’t go without one. I have worn one since June and I am a believer.
Great pics as usual and the Voekler one is my favorite.
Ride soon?
Sounds like Pyramid power to me, but whatever makes you feel good. Clearly it didn’t help Bradley. Yes, let’s get out for a ride.
There’s just something about the picture of Tommy Voeckler that is so exactly Voeckler. Amazing shot, on such a simple level. Super!
I’ve got a whole sequence of him climbing towards me on stage eight with his tongue doing various gymnastics. He’s got a really expressive face.
::M