Stage 7 of Le Tour de Coddenham. The razzmatazz of the Le Grand Départ all those weeks and kiometres ago seems a distant memory. The initial excitement and burst of energy for the riders has been replaced by an unbending determination just to get the job done. Eyes on the prize for the Champs-Elysées de Coddenham High Street some time in the future.
Today’s was another punishing mountain stage incorporating the fearsome Category 1 climb of Le Mont de Creeting – a gruelling 11.95 miles stage with a brutal 1232 feet of ascent.
Approaching the summit the lead rider almost cracked but a swift gear change and second wind soon saw him dancing on the pedals, punching the air as he went over the top amid crowds of cheering spectators running alongside, confirming his position not only as the Maillot Jaune (Yellow Jersey) but also as King of the Mountains and polka dot jersey holder.
You may be wondering what has become of the doping scandal which dogged earlier stages. The Rt. Hon. Oliver Downbeat, Secretary of State for DCMS, has set up a Royal Commission to look into all aspects drug use, medicinal or otherwise, everywhere in the Universe -Terms of Reference to be announced in the autumn, meetings to commence next spring with a report to be published next summer or maybe later. Opposition complaints that he had just kicked the thing into the long grass met with a declaration that it was his top priority, and he was working night and day to find a world-beating solution to the problem.
As it happened, the route of this week’s Stage passed by a pharmacy but the race leader was careful not to stop, except to take a picture.
It’s all in the framing
Emmanuel Macron paid a surprise visit to Le Tour, although he seemed more interested in a photo opportunity with the elite athletes, than in the cycling itself. Apparently he popped in to see Boris on his way home.
A sprint finish to the line and a cheery “Honey I’m home” reunited the race leader with the Peleton, still doing her Pilates.
Some flowers seen along the route
Chance to Dream 