On the scene at the Tour de France, stages 2 and 3

The Tour’s second stage completed on the flat roads of Bologna, however the place to be to expertise the complete spectacle of the Tour was on the steep, two-kilometer climb to San Luca, which the riders tackled twice, first 31 kilometers from the end, after which once more with 13 okay to go till the end.

The San Luca climb must be among the best locations on earth to observe a motorbike race. I’ve been there earlier than, for 2 Giro levels and for the end of the Giro dell’Emilia, however I’ve by no means earlier than seen this many individuals, or this degree of pleasure, on San Luca. Along with the highway to the highest, there’s a coated walkway, which is the world’s longest portico, and offers glorious race-viewing positions underneath its arches. I selected a spot midway up the climb, the place the highway passes underneath the portico.

The breakaway riders had been nonetheless collectively on their first go up San Luca.

A couple of minutes later, Visma led the peloton up the climb.

Pogacar and Evenepoel had been simply behind the Visma practice.

Romain Bardet having fun with (?) his day within the yellow jersey:

Matej Mohoric:

European champion Christophe LaPorte:

Mathieu Van Der Poel and Silvan Dillier:

The second time up the climb, Kevin Vauquelin had left his breakaway companions behind and was on his solo trip to the stage victory.

It was full polka dots for Jonas Abrahamsen.

This time up, it was Adam Yates main the favorites’ group, or as we name them in Italy, i massive.

Vingegaard and Pogacar:

Roglic and Bardet:

Rui Costa:

Geraint Thomas:

French nationwide champion Paul Lapiera was having a superb time whipping up the group’s cheers.

Van Der Poel:

Clement Russo impressed with an prolonged wheelie up and across the nook.

Cavendish got here by smiling, and tossed a water bottle to the followers.

Stage three to Torino, one for the sprinters, was gained by Biniam Girmay forward of Fernando Gaviria and Arnaud De Lie.

The GC boys got here in wanting fairly chill.

The rostrum ceremony lacked the showiness of the Giro podiums. In what I assume is a continuation of pandemic protocol, the jersey holders got here out already sporting their classification jerseys, slightly than having somebody on the stage current the jersey and assist the rider put it on. The riders had been handed flowers, however there have been no handshakes or cheek kisses. And there was no champagne (and even prosecco). One factor that wasn’t subdued, although, was the apparent pleasure of Girmay and new race chief Richard Carapaz.