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 this set are the highlights from stages 9 – 13 where the peloton continued from Issoire and travelled 208km to Saint-Flour followed by the 158 km stage 10 from Aurillac to Carmaux, the stage 11 167km stage led the riders from Blaye-les-Mines to Lavaur, the 211km stage 12 from Cugnaux to Luz-Ardiden and then 152km from Pau to Lourdes.
The General Classification riders seem to be waiting in the rungs as they tackle the spectacular mountain stages in which Thomas Voeckler still keeps a hold of yellow. The reining UCI road race world champion Thor Hushovd took a fantastic stage win into Lourdes, Mark Cavendish keeps his green jersey points lead and Aussie favorite Cadel Evans maintains a consistent and strong profile as he sits in third between the Schleck brothers.
Cadel Evans is looking focused and relaxed this year
Contador makes his way to the sign on prior to stage 9
The sunflowers were out on display despite the rain
Thomas Voeckler on his way to the yellow jersey
The BMC bus during the transfer on stage 10
Andre Greipel takes out stage 10 ahead of Cavendish
Mark Cavendish took out his third win on stage 11
Samuel Sanchez makes his way through the thousands of fans to win on Luz -Ardiden
Cadel Evans keeps pace during stage 12
The main group ride together near the top of Luz-Ardiden
Thor Hushovd climbing his way during stage 13 to hold on for a great win
Thomas Voeckler remains in the yellow jersey, but for how long
Purchasing: If you would like to purchase any of these photos or a complete set, please email Mark Gunter and include the photo number: mark@markgunter.com.au. 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.
Author Profile: Australian sports photographer Mark Gunter has won the Cycling Australia Photographer of the Year for four of the past eight years and his photos regularly appear throughout international press. Mark is one of the 240 accredited photographers following the 2011 Tour de France and presenting the highlights of this years race on Bicycles Network Australia and daily updates on the Mark Gunter Tour de France Facebook page.
An extensive collection of photographs are available online: www.markgunter.com.au
