I spent the two days the Tour de France came to town, following the race and generally soaking up the amazing atmosphere. Here are images and my comments that may help if you plan to come to follow the Tour de France in the mountains.

Thursday 25th July : Aime - Cluses, 142 km

Images taken on penultimate climb of Col des Aravis, with three kilometres left to the summit.

The view down the Col des Aravis as the break ride the road below.

Stage winner Dario Frigo, leads Mario Aerts and Giuseppe Guerini on the penultimate climb of the 1498 metre Col des Aravis.

Riders on the Col des Aravis including the Cofidis rider David Moncoutié. Moncoutié would finish fourth on the stage, nearly three minutes behind the Italian Frigo.

Laurent Jalabert rides the Col des Aravis with the crowd going wild as he passes.

Lance Armstrong shelters behind the US Postal train on the Col des Aravis.

Three kilometres to the summit of the Aravis.

Stage winner David Millar rides with Eric Dekker on the Col des Aravis.

The Green jersey wearer, Robbie McEwen, rides alone in the mountains on the Aravis.

A backgroup on the Col des Aravis.

 

Friday 26th July : Cluses - Bourg-en-Bresse, 176.5 km

Images taken at Depart in Cluses.

The best young rider in the Tour de France wearing the white jersey, the Italian Ivan Basso.

Mario Aerts is happy to be photographed in Cluses before the Depart.

US Postal rider George Hincapie signs autographs before the start of the stage.

The Italian Fabio Baldato before the Depart in Cluses.

Robbie McEwen rolls out to the start.

A happy Richard Virenque rolls out to the start.

The departure of the peleton.

Lance Armstrong is surrounded by motorbikes.

The back of the peleton as they leave Cluses.

Click here for 2002 Tour de France images from Tuesday and Wednesday