Categories: Anatomy of a Photo

Anatomy of a Photo: After the Finish on Ventoux

Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

This has to be one of the best photos of the 2013 Tour: Nairo Quintana at the finish on the Ventoux. Nairo gives very little away when he climbs but as he crossed the line his head dropped and the lights went out. He later admitted having gone too early again. Before that, on the slopes of the Giant of Provence, he knew he was going to win. Then he was caught, then dropped, then he regained Froome’s wheel. Finally he was dropped a second time, towards the summit. There was no fighting back to Froome’s wheel, only the need to race on, as fast as possible.

His soigneur drapes a fresh long sleeve jersey on his shoulders, a bottle of pink spanish recovery fluid awaits. Nairo’s left hand lies open by his leg. His head hangs with exhaustion and disappointment. This soigneur has to do his magic now as Quintana has left it all on the Ventoux.

Gianni

Gianni has left the building.

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  • @FuriousFred

    @TBONE

    Second best photo of le Tour.

    Close-lining him would have been much more betterer.

    Not really wishing to advocate assault but I suppose I am, physical interruption or disruption of these muppets should be positively encouraged. Clothesline, the good old fashioned trip or a sharp exit stage droit or gauche? No preference, just make it entertaining.

  • @LA Dave

    @TBONE

    @pakrat

    @TBONE

    If only the next two frames were available.

    Best I can do, chief.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls3NxXSb1K0

    How about the guy who did the tripping hiding behind his girl when the dayglo weirdo goes after him? If you're going to step up and make a play like that at least be a man and stand up for yourself. Of course Mr. Skittles was about twice as tall as him and probably would have shellacked him - but hiding behind your lady? Weak.

    It looked like he was behind his grandma. Good tactic No-one messes with granny.

  • An amazing shot.

    @TommyTubolare

    @Pedale.Forchetta

    Good points made by you both. As much as I love cycling and watching these  blokes punsih themselves like Quintana has done here, these clowns are are making the TdF spectacle into a circus. It is truly a glorious sport that has become almost too popular for its own good.

  • @John yes it is a great photo, but I'm talking in general, usually you do not see those show at other races.

  • @JohnB

    @FuriousFred

    @TBONE

    Second best photo of le Tour.

    Close-lining him would have been much more betterer.

    Not really wishing to advocate assault but I suppose I am, physical interruption or disruption of these muppets should be positively encouraged. Clothesline, the good old fashioned trip or a sharp exit stage droit or gauche? No preference, just make it entertaining.

    They should have the local rugby clubs line the climbs (or gridiron teams for the Tour of California) with instructions to take down anyone running alongside the riders in fancy dress. It would make good off season tackling practice.

  • @JohnB

    @LA Dave

    @TBONE

    @pakrat

    @TBONE

    If only the next two frames were available.

    Best I can do, chief.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls3NxXSb1K0

    How about the guy who did the tripping hiding behind his girl when the dayglo weirdo goes after him? If you're going to step up and make a play like that at least be a man and stand up for yourself. Of course Mr. Skittles was about twice as tall as him and probably would have shellacked him - but hiding behind your lady? Weak.

    It looked like he was behind his grandma. Good tactic No-one messes with granny.

    His grandma is his lady? Not only is he a coward, but he's a sicko as well.

  • All great suggestions regarding the mountain trolls who have to insert their pathetic squalid selves into the majesty of the event.  Short off permanently crippling or killing someone, game on.  First quarantine all the douche bags (minus didi) in costume anstruck them minus their gear to the very bottom.  Any man throngs,...ditto.  As for the rest, feel free to whale away at will, always mindful that you don't drive the dbag into the path of the rider.  Remember, physics is you friend so attack from uphill. Using velocity to make up for your skinny biker body.  At this point it is perfectly acceptable to dance away into the crowd.  After all you're not seeking credit, merely performing a public service.

  • Obviously an exception should be made for the guy running with the stuffed wild boar, that was just so bizarre it was awesome.

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