Stage 16 - Wednesday, July 25: Orthez - Gourette - Col d’Aubisque, 218.5km
Well I’m back in England being drowned by rain and having to watch the decisive stage of the tour on the computer (check out cyclingfans.com for links to video and audio feeds- it’s great, though it does make doing any work difficult). I left le Tour de France yesterday on the rest day and headed back to my ‘real’ job trying to forget that two days ago I was at Loudenvielle watching the race finish and drinking Champagne and not expecting to see the BikeStyle guys again but I did, along with another few million people. I’m not sure who it was but at 4.6km to go there was someone in BikeStyle kit cheering the riders on. What a spot to watch the race; Rasmussen and Contador were battling it out with Evans and Leipheimer just behind. AND, it was sunny… sigh, I wish I was there!
The person in this photo is Frederico Morini.
Fred is an Italian based Pro and has been a racing cyclist for over 23 years.
In December 2001 Fred had just completed a successful first year with Gerolsteiner when he fell into a ravine while training in Umbria.
The accident left him temporarily paralysed with severe back and leg injuries. Fred has fought his way back from his injuries and is now riding at a good level again.
Well Spotted! Fred is one of the team of current and ex-rides who accompany the tours and try and get themselves on TV as much as possible!!! (more info on Fred Morini here)