The 6th stage of the Presidential Cycle Race started in Bodrum this morning. The main square was transformed yet again as professional cyclists rode back and forth between the stage, hospitality tent and the starting gate mingling with race organisers, press photographers and tourists. Yesterday I tried and failed to get some photos of the 5th stage as the riders whizzed through Bodrum on their way to the finish in Turgutreis so I arrived early today to snap the contenders before they zoomed off.
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| A leisurely peddle 30 minutes before the start |
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Each team was interviewed in a mixture of English, Turkish, French and Italian.
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| Bodrum also had two large cruise ships in today, which added to the bustle. |
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On the start line
The turquoise jersey is worn by the leader, the red jersey by the best climber. |
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The start - 11:40am as advertised!
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I was surprised at how relaxed they all looked considering they were just about to set off on a 182 km journey, culminating in a 6km twisting climb to Merymana, which is daunting in coach or car. The Turkish flags will have been out in force at the finish as Mustafa Sayer crossed the line first and seized the overall lead.
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| A boy can dream. |
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A couple of years back we got stuck at the lights where the Yalikavak road meets the main arterial road at Kipa for an hour and half waiting for the competitors to pass. We were on a dolly and it was very jolly as we all mingled and chatted at the makeshift barrier!
ReplyDeleteI waited for them to go past on Thursday and only succeeded in taking a photo of my thumb
DeleteWe really enjoyed seeing the bikes leave Bodrum last year. This year, though, we were glad not to get stuck behind them on the way back home!
ReplyDeleteKucky you came a week earlier
Delete. . we were barely aware of it all this year and so were delighted to on the road and just ahead of the pelothon as it shot through on the Ortaca bypass.
ReplyDeleteThey add some colour to the scenery
DeleteB to B, Your photos are smashing, really. It looks like it was an incredibly gorgeous day. They do look relaxed, don't they?
ReplyDeleteThe riders were very laid back
DeleteBeautiful pictures, and gorgeous weather.... As for the cyclists, I feel tired just looking at them!
ReplyDeleteWe seem to have jumped into high summer two months early
DeleteThe photos are fantastic - full of colour and life. Whilst we don't have a harbour here in Alcala, we do have a section of the Spanish 'Tour' in the area and the cyclists whizz through - as you noticed, it's very difficult to catch them moving so nice to see them (in their lycra - the orange is very becoming) before they set off! Lovely shot of boy on bike at the end.
ReplyDeleteAxx
Lots and lots of lycra - never seen so much
DeleteThese are great photos,and really do capture the atmosphere...much more relaxed than the Tour de France images I remember from last year ! One of the best bits of seeing Le Tour last year was mixing with the watching crowds. I loved it...and it looks as if you had a good day here. J.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed hearing all the Italian spoken - we don't hear it very often
DeleteThat must have been an enjoyable day. They all look very fit, tanned and relaxed and it must be the most marvellous scenery to cycle through if they could take their eyes from the road. :-) The Tour de France passed close to us in Normandy a couple of years ago - such excitement!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure the riders see much of the scenery
DeleteAwww, I love the bike race and they didn't use Fethiye this year for some reason. Who knows why?? :) Lover your pics. I remember the first time we watched them cross the finish line and I was just so unprepared for the speed. Most of them had gone past by the time I pressed the shutter button. :)
ReplyDeleteThey started in Gocek rather than Fethiye.
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Looks like a great start to the season. Very colourful photo's, I can only imagine what a crush it was in town, especially with two cruise ships as well.
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