The Tour de France is a tour de force of teamwork. It really is all for one and one for all. As the stages develop the teamwork ensures that the Grand Classification contender is protected and put in great position to get points. The team leader will sacrifice one or two riders each day hose work in the team is to get them in the right place.
From the start to the finish the riders are working for the benefit of their lead rider – the one who is most likely to get the yellow jersey. Or if that’s not the team goal it may be for the King of the Mountain or sprinters green jersey. Each team has a mix of cyclists who are stronger in different disciplines. As well as those who are finding their way through their first tour who may become the Lantern Rouge (last cyclist over the line).
The team is shaped around that leading individual. So if they have one pronounced talent the team will be built to support them in the weaker areas. For Team Sky in Chris Froome they have a strong all-rounder who has won all the jerseys. Training in South Africa, Tenerife and the UK he seems able to capture points everywhere.
Working together the teamwork will shield him from cross-winds and other riders as required. They’ll support him to create the pace he requires even if it totally exhausts them. Teamwork pulls the stage plan together for the best result for the pursuit of the yellow jersey.
It must be a moment of huge relief to be freewheeling downhill under control before those legs have to start powering again. Heads down, apart from one, just taking a sneaky peek.
Painting:
“SkyFall’ was sold at Greenstage Gallery having been exhibited during hArt 2016 with noise inspired abstract dipped works by Ed Ball.
Created on 50 x 100 cm primed canvas on stretchers with Winsor & Newton water-soluble oils, thinner and linseed oil, framed in white-limed wood.
