Etape 2009 – stage 19

Another early breakfast today so we could get the coach to Aubenas, the finish of stage 19.

We arrived in the midday heat and soon found ourselves among the throngs of supporters. Walking the final kilometer we took plenty of photos and perused the stalls. It was and interesting finish; crossing the river there was a long straight before a sharp right onto the final 500 meters.

After some food we took up station on the outside corner of the 500 meter mark. I was literally hanging off it. An hour of standing in the baking sun preceded the publicity caravan. As soon as the floats started coming through the crowds jostled for position. With my reach I did a good job of getting freebies, caps and the like, as they were thrown out.

The end of the caravan was rushed through before the team coaches arrived. The sky clouded over and rain started to fall. As I adjusted my camera for the dark light the breakaway, including the top riders, whistled through. I only saw the back of them. I did get to see the remainder of the peloton but was a little disappointed.

Will be better prepared for Ventoux tomorrow.