Stage 19 was a classic breakaway stage. Rolling hills, a twisty parcours, it was almost certain a break would get away in this ride from Moirans en Montagne to Poligny. What we didn’t expect was for the initial breakaway group to be composed of exactly the same riders as Stage 18. Kasper Asgren (yesterday’s winner) took it to the line with Matej Mohoric in thrilling finish. At the end, Mohoric was declared winner, but that wasn’t the story of the day.

Today was really more about the scenery. This wasn’t another transitional stage, we were now deep in the Jura with it’s rolling, rugged hills and numerous small villages. It was spectacular.

Today was a three stop day, which was made pretty easy by the Tour’s twisting route and some well timed jaunts on the race route behind the caravan. The first stop was chosen to be between Arinthod and Orgelet. We were looking for a solid rural scene or a pretty village. We ultimately chose this rural location outside the village of Ecrille, where we spoke with some families that had lived in the area for a number of years but had left to live abroad. Amazing people.

The second stop was Crotenay, which turned out to be another beautiful town. There were a ton of fans along the roadside coming out of town. I chose a position across from two rabid Yorkshire fans who had outfitted their van for a trip across France. The photo of Tom Pidcock coming past the van couldn’t have been more fitting.

Learning from Courchevel, I brought two cameras and three lenses to the finish in Poligny. Basically, I gambled that I would once again be far back and need the 200-600mm lens I had brought exclusively for the sprint on the Champs Elysees. The gamble worked well, and the photo finish produced solid photos.

Distance driven: 372 km

Photos taken: 1026

Pain au Chocolat consumed: 0? 1? All I know is the pastry I had in the press room in Poligny was probably the best one I’ve had in France.

Salle Presse drinks consumed: 3 – Too many to count. Truly.

Next Up: Le Tour Stage 20