Greig Leach

With the formalities of the final stage our of the way, it was time to get to racing. Although, I didn't see the honorary champagne toast between the winner, his teammates and his director sportif. In the past the champagne was once replaced with a good English Cider, but I don't think I have ever not seen the toast. Nevertheless, now it was time to race for the victory of the final stage of the Tour. I was unable to identify who the Ag2r La Mondiale rider who was just rolling of the front of the peloton, but it is Nielson Powless (EF Pro Cycling) taking over with the pace making and Christoph Laporte (Cofidis) waiting to do his part to get a break away established. While there are many iconic images of Paris, this is the one that is Paris and the Tour de France. Every year the Champs Elysees plays host to the final stage, and everyone in the peloton is thrilled to have made it to the end of the Tour. Many hope to achieve the rare feet of making a break stick for the stage, but it rarely succeeds.