The Arc de Triomphe is in their sights and it’s an iconic moment to see the teams finally on the Champs Elysee. Riders getting the chance to mingle and chat before the final race and sprint of Le Tour. Breaking out the champagne en route, the Tour de France winners line up for photocalls as they ride to the last start. It’s all part of the final day of the three weeks when everyone congratulates all those remaining. The final highs for the yellow jersey and the other jersey holders after the intense energy and focus of previous stages.

Generally the prize-winning jerseys have been decided in earlier stages and the team prizes won. So it is either a glory run for home for the maillot jeune – yellow jersey – or a final push to gain the last sprint win and moment of visibility on TV and beyond.

This stage of the Tour de France is good for fans as the cyclists go around the same route several times in the city. Prior to which, for the last two years, the women’s race has also taken place. This brings extra excitement and a few spills and thrills. It does seem to  like to rain on this parade! After the muscles are warmed-down, the injuries iced and the tales of Le Tour given over to the media corp it’s at last time to party.

More rain …

This is one of a number of works to capture those moments of camaraderie, emotion and the colour of Le Tour. Bobbing heads and teams in waves come along the tri-coleur festooned avenue. The Arc de Triomphe providing a unique turning point. In the distant background, through the arch of the Arc is La Defense, in all its shiny splendour.

You can read more about team work in the blogs by clicking here or buy more rain soaked riders during the Grand Depart in Yorkshire back in 2014 with my painting Rain which you can see being created in stages above.

Painting:

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