Along the streets and over the mountains they pedal on between gauntlets of applauding spectators in the Tour De France.

Like an arrow of flesh moving through the countryside their bicycles are propelled not by feet, but by human endurance .

Each rider tested, then rested, as another one of the team is asked to be strong and find the strength to carry them on .


To chase after that chance to capture the yellow jacket, or to be King of the mountain . And the miles to Paris are long .


Sprints are often close and the winner of each stage takes a page from today’s map and plans for the wonders tomorrow may bring .

Every team give their very best and open the way for the final sprint home . In the end its really a combined thing .

By Paul McCann