FDJ Panache: Thibaut & Madiot Time

Allez!

Pinot going to win his first Tour stage and becomes

the first French victory.

Today's stage 8, with seven climbs, was the most exciting stage, so far, of the race. The youngest rider of this Tour is FDJ's Thibaut Pinot (22) and with a clever move passed Fredrik Kessiakoff on the climb of the Col de la Croix.

Biggest fan... Madiot!

The FDJ team under the guidance of Marc Madiot (two-time winner of Paris-Roubaix. double stage winner 1984 Tour) almost didn't pick Pinot for le Tour. Pinot has excellent credentials, turning pro in 2010 and winning the Mountains classification in the Tour de Romandie & Paris-Corrèze.

With the 17kms left Pinot found himself excitingly alone and with the animated encouragement from Marc Madiot held on to score a fantastic French victory.

Chapeau!

Stage 8: Belfort-Porrentruy 157.5km

Full results.

Pinot brings it home!

Swiss Polka-dot cow sighting, first for me seeing this...

...and the Fall of Sammy.