Le Tour '11 - Stage 20 - Grenoble ITT

After stage 19, the family and I took a long and circuitous drive (due to Tour road closures) to Grenoble and spent the night at the same hotel we had stayed in a year ago . Luckily, they didn't recognize me!(see last year's "European Hotels" blog posting)

As for the chickenscratch in this photo, it actually has some personal significance. The top represents my morning run route from the hotel to the start line of the day's stage. The bottom part represents the time splits for the day's stage, as I would not have access to the internet once we left the hotel and headed down to the race. Chuck and I referred to this little piece of paper often, as we took time splits on our phones and watches in an attempt to determine in real-time the placings of the top 10 guys that came past us.

As the family and I walked towards the finish, we went past the start and through the area in a park where the team buses were stationed and riders were warming up. Interesting scene, as the riders had to ride about 300-400m through park paths and sidewalks to get to the start. Often they would have to wiggle around and through the gauntlet of fans and spectators who were walking right beside them. Gilbert went by us almost unnoticed, as he wasn't wearing his Belgium stripes due it being a time trial. We almost literally rubbed shoulders with Thor, as he was hurrying to ride away from a group of fans chasing after him. In this pic, I didn't take it personally that this Rabobank rider didn't appreciate seeing a family of four clad in BMC/USA Championship jerseys (see his hand on left brake ;-)

We positioned ourselves a little past 1km from the finish. From this area, we could see the riders on the opposite side of the road as they headed out to the course. Later upon their return, they would come by us again near our side of the road. Here is Andy shortly after his start and trying to hang onto his newly acquired yellow jersey.

Berto digging deep!

Fränk Schleck solidifying his podium spot.

Andy Schleck returns. So close, but so far!

My vote for "pic of the day" taken by Chuck. Here is Cadel just a little over a 1km from taking the Yellow and winning this year's Tour. Chapeau Cadel!! Well done!!

Bis später!