- Location
- Marlow, UK
The Women’s Tour of Britain passed through my town yesterday. The final stage was from Marlow to Hemel Hempstead so we were able to see the preparations and start of the race. The event is only in its second year but already draws some of the world’s best women’s teams and competitors.
In addition to the bikes, there were various other vehicles on show, including these support cars parked up in the High Street ahead of the race.
Support Cars by Richard, on Flickr
There were a LOT of police motorcycles in evidence too. They'd come from constabularies all over Britain except, curiously, the Thames Valley. We particularly liked the row of police helmets hanging on the blue flashing lights of the motorcycles (impaled heads?)
Police Helmets by Richard, on Flickr
This is a local cycling club, who led the main race out of town later.
Marlow Riders by Richard, on Flickr
And this is Britain’s Laura Trott, double gold medallist at the London 2012 Olympics.
Laura Trott OBE by Richard, on Flickr
The main car park in town was full of team vehicles and competitors preparing for the race. Everything was very accessible and friendly, so there was plenty of opportunity to take photos and talk to the participants. These are some members of the Pearl Izumi team warming up on rollers prior to the race.
Warming Up by Richard, on Flickr
Cycling is a colourful sport, but some of the garish outfits aren’t exactly flattering to the wearer (yes, team Ale Cipollini, I'm looking at you). But I liked the smart outfits of Team USA – this is Sara Headley.
Sara Headley by Richard, on Flickr
Prior to the race the teams were introduced to the crowd in the High Street. This is the Optum team.
Optum Team by Richard, on Flickr
Susanna Zorzi and Sarah Rukes of the Lotto Soudal team about to do a lap of the car park.
Lotto Soudal by Richard, on Flickr
This is sports journalist and TV presenter Ned Boulting chatting to visitors.
Ned Boulting by Richard, on Flickr
The start of the stage was ‘neutralised’, which means that the field weren’t actually racing for the first couple of miles. I think that’s a safety precaution, but it also means that the riders don’t flash past you quite so quickly when you’re watching from the side of the road.
The Field by Richard, on Flickr
The yellow jersey is worn here by Lisa Brennauer, who went on to win the overall event. The polka dot jersey belongs to Melissa Hoskins as ‘Queen of the Mountains’ (not many mountains in this part of the world, but I’ll let that pass). That's Laura Trott again in the front row, second on the left.
Tour Leaders by Richard, on Flickr
Then we were passed by a phalanx of support vehicles and suddenly it was all over. The stage was won by Britain’s Hannah Barnes, who I managed not to photograph.
Team Vehicles by Richard, on Flickr
-R
In addition to the bikes, there were various other vehicles on show, including these support cars parked up in the High Street ahead of the race.
There were a LOT of police motorcycles in evidence too. They'd come from constabularies all over Britain except, curiously, the Thames Valley. We particularly liked the row of police helmets hanging on the blue flashing lights of the motorcycles (impaled heads?)
This is a local cycling club, who led the main race out of town later.
And this is Britain’s Laura Trott, double gold medallist at the London 2012 Olympics.
The main car park in town was full of team vehicles and competitors preparing for the race. Everything was very accessible and friendly, so there was plenty of opportunity to take photos and talk to the participants. These are some members of the Pearl Izumi team warming up on rollers prior to the race.
Cycling is a colourful sport, but some of the garish outfits aren’t exactly flattering to the wearer (yes, team Ale Cipollini, I'm looking at you). But I liked the smart outfits of Team USA – this is Sara Headley.
Prior to the race the teams were introduced to the crowd in the High Street. This is the Optum team.
Susanna Zorzi and Sarah Rukes of the Lotto Soudal team about to do a lap of the car park.
This is sports journalist and TV presenter Ned Boulting chatting to visitors.
The start of the stage was ‘neutralised’, which means that the field weren’t actually racing for the first couple of miles. I think that’s a safety precaution, but it also means that the riders don’t flash past you quite so quickly when you’re watching from the side of the road.
The yellow jersey is worn here by Lisa Brennauer, who went on to win the overall event. The polka dot jersey belongs to Melissa Hoskins as ‘Queen of the Mountains’ (not many mountains in this part of the world, but I’ll let that pass). That's Laura Trott again in the front row, second on the left.
Then we were passed by a phalanx of support vehicles and suddenly it was all over. The stage was won by Britain’s Hannah Barnes, who I managed not to photograph.
-R
