It Is All About Cycling
We are now into the thick of it in week three of the Tour de France. After a second recovery day on Tuesday, the peloton hits the Alps with four mountain stages. Riders have crossed two thirds of France under scorching temperatures of the summer sun. They have faced crosswinds in the first stages, have hit the paves of the North and have sweat like no other in the Pyrenean climbs.
ORICA-GreenEDGE, IAM Cycling and Footwear Athletes may have not shined yet this year but they have offered us one of the best motivational testimonials in all of cycling. Cycling is tough, this is well known by now. When you stand up, you are going to be shoved back down. When you are down, you are going to be stepped on but every time that happens, you get back on the bike. You get up just as fast as you can, no matter how many times you need to do it. You will do it.
This third and last week will definitely be outstanding and we are looking forward to it. An expected fight between the “big players” will occur while others will give it all to reach glory for even just one day. In the meantime, we have some spectacular imagery in black and white from Kristof Ramon and TDWsport.com and want to share it with you.
Luke Durbridge keeps cool while warming up in music.
Some days have been dusty and Pieter Weening will certainly not say the opposite.
It is all about the relationship you keep between your mind, your body and how you handle the pain everyday.
Matthews has probably shown the best of cycling motivation by keeping pushing while suffering of broken ribs.
Extreme temperatures boil athletes and all ways are good to cool down.
The best to avoid being dropped is probably to put your own pace at the head of the peloton. IAM Cycling does the job.
Thibaut Pinot came with high ranking expectations but racing is unpredictable. Day after day is showing the french public he is a remarkable talented rider.
No matter how tough is your day, just go through it and keep smiling :)