Friday File: French Revolution, Mountain High, Shark Bites, A Likely Story & Café Roubaix Custom Cycling Caps

French Revolution...

The ageless, Péraud & young, Pinot.

Stage 18 was the final day in the Pyrenees ending on top of the Hautacom. Vincenzo the Shark Nibali looks set to become the overall winner after sealing it attacking on the final mountain winning in spectacular fashion. The race is still undecided for second and third. Pinot (2nd), Péraud (3rd) and Valverde (4th) is too close to call. Only 15secs are separating these guys as it goes right down to Saturday's TT. Of the three, the ageless Péraud (37yrs) is the strongest time trialist and the scale tips in his favor to ride a scorcher of a TT.

Romain Bardet, stage 14.

Currently 5th overall, 9:27.

Stage 1 KoMs for Jensie.

photo Graham Watson

The ever-popular Jens Voigt is glad that his last day of racing in the Pyrenees is over. He's due to retire at the end of this season. I'll remember him for his tireless attacking efforts, on numerous occasions telling his legs to Shut Up! He wrote an article for Bicycling, 'My Last Mountain Stage' that's worth reading. After stage 18s hellish stage he said, " Fuck I'm happy this shit is over!"

However, Friday is a flat stage - a welcome relief for him (and for the rest of the riders). So, will he be in the breakaway?  Oh yeah he will!

In the Pyrenees...

Avoiding a possible accident,  Nibali strong arms a fan attempting a selfie. When will folks learn to stay attention?

Fan favorite, Jack Bauer pulls a wheelie on today's stage 18...

Via Castelli

Stage 17
BrakeThroughMedia

Didi, stage 17
Cors Vos

Majka and Purito, stage 17
Cors Vos

Stage 17
Cors Vos

A likely story.
photo Graham Watson

You all remember Luca Paolini was caught using his cell phone on stage 8 by Graham Watson on twitter. Paolini responded with an apology for breaking the race rules, explaining he wasn't texting and emailing but accidentally left the phone in his jersey pocket and was merely turning it off before handing it to the team car. Initially, he was given a warning, but the organizers later charged him a fine of 50 Swiss Francs.

New custom Café Roubaix cycling caps made by Red Dots Cycling...

photo Red Dots Cycling

May I direct your attention that a new batch of Café Roubaix custom embroidered cycling caps are now available to purchase here.

Enjoy!