Women's Tour

[Cathryn]

I was desperately rooting for Kasia Niewiadoma today - she’s a fighter and hasn’t had a win for ages! Gutted for her!

Black Mountain tomorrow! Has anyone ridden it?

 

[Spartak]

Just seen this thread, I drove to Lydney yesterday and then cycled to the 2 QOM positions, at Worrells Hill & Speech House.
Lots of spectators watching the riders as they 'enjoyed' the Forest of Dean roads.

 

[Spartak]

I was desperately rooting for Kasia Niewiadoma today - she’s a fighter and hasn’t had a win for ages! Gutted for her!

Black Mountain tomorrow! Has anyone ridden it?

I've driven it.... 🤣

 

[Spartak]

Risking boring you all silly, here are some finish line snaps from today. Firstly, just in case anyone still isn't sure what race this is:

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I'd never stood next to a finishing sprint before. They're fast. The stage winner's bum flashes past:

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A relaxed-looking Riejanne Markus rolling in at 30s:

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And Marlen Reusser at 2:13. A beaming smile which has managed to combine perfectly with that of the spectator behind:

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Outgoing yellow jersey Clara Copponi looking resigned to her fate:

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Part of the final finishing group at 16:38, followed by the broom wagon:

Edit: This is actually the group finishing at 8:10 with Alice Barnes at the back.

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I think the crowd held it's breath for a moment, but all was well:

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Brilliant photos.... 📸 👍

 

[Aravis]

I was desperately rooting for Kasia Niewiadoma today - she’s a fighter and hasn’t had a win for ages! Gutted for her!

Black Mountain tomorrow! Has anyone ridden it?

"Yes" is the short answer!

One of my weekend excursions used to be out from Bristol over the Gospel Pass to Llanddeusant YH, then back over Black Mountain and Bwlch yr Afan, down the Rhondda and back to Bristol the next day. At the time I regarded the Black Mountain climb from the north as a gentle warm-up. This would have been around 35 years ago, but I think I'd tackle it with fair confidence even now.

There are two big switchbacks with splendid views but no real teeth, and I'm anticipating a long uphill sprint. A finish at Speech House would have been much more intimidating.

 

[figbat]

I am planning to ride part of Saturday's route ahead of them... not just for the sake of it but because my normal Saturday morning ride coincidentally takes in part of the stage anyway, so I'll make a couple of minor tweaks to make it fully overlap and then see how my Strava times stack up! Then later I'll make an effort to pop out and see them past.

 

[Cathryn]

I am planning to ride part of Saturday's route ahead of them... not just for the sake of it but because my normal Saturday morning ride coincidentally takes in part of the stage anyway, so I'll make a couple of minor tweaks to make it fully overlap and then see how my Strava times stack up! Then later I'll make an effort to pop out and see them past.

I’ll be at the start, at Charlbury and at the end so I’ll cheer you on!

 

[figbat]

I’ll be at the start, at Charlbury and at the end so I’ll cheer you on!

I’m doing the middle bit, from Faringdon to Harwell. Hoping that the early-bird crowds will appreciate my pathfinding.

 

[figbat]

 

[toffee]

Mrs T and I watched them cross the finishing line in Oxford. A reasonable crowd cheered them over the line and stayed for the presentations.

 

[Cathryn]

Mrs T and I watched them cross the finishing line in Oxford. A reasonable crowd cheered them over the line and stayed for the presentations.

I was there too! I thought it was better than you make out! The crowd was good and enthusiastic, there was loads of energy!

I went to the start which was smaller but also enthusiastic and noisy! I caught them at Charlbury and then went to the end as well! A fantastic day out! I was amazed at how many people had come to watch women’s cycling!

 

[Cathryn]

Some bad pics from a cracking day out!! I

 

[toffee]

Some bad pics from a cracking day out!! I

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If you had just taken the last one a few feet to the left you could have got the back of my head in.

 

[Aravis]

Some bad pics from a cracking day out!!

You pictures are great, especially the top one. You've captured some real joy there. Also battered knees and truly woeful sock coordination.

Love it!

 

[GuyBoden]

The Cotswold villages looked beautiful on TV, a good choice of location to stage the race.