LKM Creative Solutions

I staked out my place in the middle of the road on an island barrier in the small town of Biscou. There was only a small orange and white warning marker between the cyclists and me! I waited patiently for hours as the crowds grew and became more anticipatory. At this point in the race, the cyclists will have finished the grueling Pyrenees and have only the short flat burst to the finish line in Bayonne. Finally, the breakaway leader, Tyler Hamilton, crested the hill with a motorcycle brigade! Within seconds, he was right in front of me and just as quickly, he was gone.

Next to come, just 4 minutes behind Hamilton, was the first peleton. Fabulous! They too would cross from right to left, directly in front of my lens. Did I get the shot? Who was there? It was only weeks later, when I finally developed my film, that I realized I had managed to capture Lance and his fellow teammates up close and personal!

Lagging much further behind were 2 more peletons. They were almost as interesting, and some were even willing to smile at my camera as they passed! The crowds hung on until the end, savoring the entire experience, from the fastest to the slowest. Cheering wildly as the last man passed with pain, grit and sheer determination stuccoed to his face.


Just as quickly as each group came, they went! Within seconds, they were gone. I hardly had time to snap three photos from behind, as they were out of sight and on their way to Bayonne. What an adreniline rush! What a day! I couldn't have put myself right into the action at a more unique and interesting intersection! I am definitely doing this again next year.