For the 100th edition of the world's greatest bike
race, and the seventh annual edition of the sport's
greatest cycling publication, we sent seven writers and
photographers on the road at the Tour de France, each
given three stages to record their individual takes on
La Grande Boucle.
Sebastian Schels
captures the rugged beauty of Corsica, contrasting empty
mountains with populous roads. Former Guardian sports
writer Richard Williams recalls a dramatic grand
départ, with numerous crashes and a stuck team
bus.
Photographer and writer Geoff Waugh follows
two careers, one beginning, the other drawing to a
close. Danny van Poppel, 19, became the youngest Tour
rider since the Second World War, making an immediate
impression with third place on the opening stage in
Bastia. The hugely popular Jens Voigt, meanwhile, went
out in style with numerous attacks during his final Tour
at the age of 41.
The tiny village of Saint-Béat
bordering the Pyrenees was devastated by flash floods in
late June. Timm Kölln and Oliver Nilsson-Julien witness
proud locals preparing for the arrival of stage 9 amidst
destroyed homes and businesses.
Eurosport
commentators Carlton Kirby and Sean Kelly spend three
weeks in a cramped TV booth on the finish line at each
day's stage. Robert Wyatt trains his lens on the
broadcasters at Mont Saint-Michel, while Ian Cleverly
goes walkabout with roving reporter - and recently
retired pro cyclist - Rob Hayles as he interviews riders
and managers on the start line.
Taz Darling and
Rouleur Editor Guy Andrews get up close and personal
with the Tour organisation. Race Director Christian
Prudhomme and his team conjured up one of the best Tours
in decades. Taz and Guy find out how on the road to Mont
Ventoux.
Patience is a prerequisite of
Tour-watching. Paolo Ciaberta finds fans on Alpe d'Huez
who have been in position for days. Andy McGrath asks
them why, as well as reporting on the Froome phenomenon
and a disastrous race for the home nation.
Jakob
Kristian Sørensen and Morten Okbo hook up with Russian
team Katusha for the final three stages to Paris - one
day in the race car, the next witnessing tears of
relief, then finally reaching the Champs-Élysées and
tears of joy at an emotional after-party in the capital
city.
3,404 kilometres, 21 stages, 21
stories.
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