Highlights from the 2011 Tour de France (Photos)
- by Mark Gunter
- Published: 25 July 2011
Australian sports photographer Mark Gunter has joined the 2011 Tour de France and is presenting highlights from the world’s most popular cycling race here.
In the final Tour de France set we follow the General Classification contenders Alberto Contador (Saxobank), Andy and Fank Schleck (Leopard), Ivan Basso (Liquigas), Cadel Evans (Team BMC) and surprise challenger Thomas Voeckler (Team Europcar) compete through the mountains and final stages.
Even in the final stages, no clear winner could be pinpointed, would Voeckler maintain his uncanny strength? Would last years winner Alberto Contador use his mountain skills and surprise attack to steal back time? Would the Schleck brothers play their game of attacks to frustrate the favorites? Would another GC contender sneak in from behind? Or would Cadel’s continued ‘follow the leader’ approach pay off?
Even with the excitement of first ever Australian winner of the Tour de France, this years race will also be remembered as one of the most exciting editions in years in which so many talented riders stood out and the value of team effort was so easy to recognise.
Plateau de Beille in all its glory.
Ivan Basso put in a big attack up Plateau de Beille.
Thomas Voeckler climing hard to retain the yellow yersey.
Thor Hushovd on the outskirts of Gap.
Heading towards Gap the main contenders were all together.
The peleton head up Sestrieres.
The race heads into Italy.
Andy Schleck on his big attack up the Galibier.
Cadel, Voeckler and Frank Schleck climb the Galibier.
The crowd cheer on the riders during stage 18.
The Galibier dwarfs the peleton.
Alberto Contador one last effort to vie for the yellow jersey up Alp-d’Huez.
Thomas Voeckler won the hearts of cyclings fans.
The start tent for the TT.
Fabian Cancellara on the start line.
Cadel Evans looked calm before his TT.
Powering into the yellow jersey.
Evans takes the yellow jersey at just the right time.
Evans rides in Paris wearing the leaders jersey.
The Arc de Triomphe watching over the Tour de France.
The weather was fine for the final stage.
The peleton start to wind things up for the final sprint.
Cavendish was the obviouse choice to take the win in Paris.
Cadel Evans celebrates over the line with his team mates.
The jersey winners from this years tour.
Purchasing: If you would like to purchase any of these photos or a complete set, please email Mark Gunter and include the photo number: [email protected]. The format and details will be confirmed after the 2011 Tour de France. PLUS a poster will also be published after the race: Email now to reserve your copy.
