We might all be back at VeloVoices Towers (with Panache ensconced in the Washington Peloton Pentagon), but two of our VeloEyes have kindly sent us pictures mainly from the last few stages which illustrate the advice Susi Goetze gave us in her VeloEye interview about where best to take photos at a race. Enjoy!
The morning sign-in is generally the easiest place to take photos of the riders. Unless you’re tall, get there early and be first in line against the barriers. The riders tend to file up in dribs and drabs. Although some will be clad ready for the day’s race, many are often helmetless, making identification so much easier and photos so much better. They’ll frequently stop to chat to the press, give autographs or have their pictures taken with many of the waiting youngsters, thereby enthusing the next generation of riders.
Last year’s winner Juan Jose Cobo being interviewed at the sign-on by Juan Mari (image courtesy of RDW)
Valverde’s white wrist-watch has a Union Jack face. A memento of London 2012 perhaps?
Alejandro Valverde at sign-on (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
Alberto Contador sharing a joke with Juan Mari (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
The enigmatic Denis Menchov making his way to the start (image courtesy of RDW)
Maxime Monfort, who complained fans kept confusing him with Basque team mate Markel Irizar (image courtesy of RDW)
Julian Dean doesn’t look too happy, does he? (image courtesy of RDW)
Daniele Bennati making his way to the start (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
Of course, nowhere’s out of bounds to Susi. Here she makes a quick visit to see the Argonauts on their bus. We have to say it’s not quite as plush as the Sky one.
Scary Argonaut tan lines (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
Argonauts keeping cool before the start in their ice packed vests (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
You may recall that Alejandro Valverde fell on one of the early stages in the Vuelta while wearing the red leader’s jersey and no one waited. The guy that came off worst in the crash was teammate Imanol Erviti, who’s still bearing the effects several days later. What you can’t see from the photograph is his heavily bandaged left leg and right arm.
Bearing his injuries with fortitude – Imanol Erviti (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
Once the riders have been called to the start, there’s still 10-15 minutes of hanging about – another great photo opportunity. The boys usually take the time to catch up with their compatriots on other teams. They look so serious. Do you think these three were discussing the overnight news about [Lance] Armstrong?
Juan Antonio Flecha, Purito and Alejandro Valverde catching up on peloton gossip before the start (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
Photographers need to keep their eyes peeled at all times for photo opportunities. Susi’s particularly adept at finding humourous situations.
Looks like Tony Martin’s jersey’s way too short, have OPQS run out of his size? (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
I think we know who he’s supporting! (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
The food zone’s another good spot for taking photos as the riders are forced to slow down to pick up their lunch. It’s also a great place to collect souvenirs – bidons and musettes – but you need to be fleet of foot to beat the waiting hordes of kids.
Alberto Contador in the feedzone (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
Alternatively, find a spot on an incline where the crowds aren’t too thick and the riders are arriving in two, threes or even on their own.
Here’s a bunch of Movistar riders making their way up an incline (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
Igor Anton giving it his best shot (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
Purito leaving the rest for dust (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
Frankly without accreditation it’s difficult to get these types of shots at the finish line. But it’s still worth a go.
John Degenkolb has dominated the sprint finishes (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
Finally a win in 2012 for PhilGil (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
A better photo opportunity might be the podium or just past the finish line but again, unless you’re tall, you’ll need to get in situ early.
An exhausted Jan Bakelants after the finish (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
Alejandro Valverde heading to the podium (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
Purito with his two children on the podium (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)
To conclude, don’t forget to take a few shots of your wonderful surroundings to remind you where you were. Bike races visit some beautiful parts of the world.
Barcelona (courtesy of Susi Goetze)
Alto de Montjuic (image courtesy of Susi Goetze)