Greig Leach

It is not too uncommon for protesters to use the stage of the Tour de France to get their message out to the world. Conversely, French TV does its best not to film the protest but this was a bit of what made it to air. The group Derniere Renovation chained themselves together across the road blocking the Tour route with 36 kilometers to go. Their goal was to call attention to the need to address climate change. They successfully stop the race for about 12 minutes as officals and Gendarme dragged the entwined group from the road. Once the race resumed, each group of riders started of with the same gaps that they had when the protest started. While none of the riders were hurt, and I assume/hope none of the protesters were either, the unexpected long delay after racing full out had to play havoc on the muscles, heart rates and psyche of the peloton. But hey, it may for a beautiful (and I think) wonderful painting.