Paris-Nice 2011 Bike Race
 

No winter sun vacation this year, instead I decided to follow the Paris-Nice bike race all the way to Nice! All because last year I had so much fun when I photographed the prologue stage, as I was invited to watch it by some friends.

I was out today for Stage 1 (winner is Belgian Thomas de Gendt), Houdan - Houdan (about 30 miles from Paris). It was fun, though the start was over so quick I kinda regretted the 2 hour wait to ensure I had a good position....

Anyway, take a look here ( http://bit.ly/fdvOtM ) if you are a cycling fan. If not, I plan to photograph a lot of the small towns I visit on my journey south, so I will post some galleries and perhaps the odd gigapixel photo if I find something really nice. And of course I will have to stop in Lyon on my return trip, as I hear it is the gastronomique centre of France!

If you like the photos I will be sure to add an update when I have added a new stage gallery.

Stage 2 over, looking forward to stage 3 tomorrow. Photos from today can be found: http://parisbyphoto.com/events/Paris-Nice/2011-stage-2/

Stage 3 over, which was tough to photograph as I tried to photograph the cyclists just before the last bend. The problem was there were too many people, so I found it hard to get great shots. Still, another gallery posted and looking forward to stage 4:)

http://www.parisbyphoto.com/events/P.../2011-stage-3/

Stage 4 over.A long day but better photos than yesterday:)

http://www.parisbyphoto.com/events/P.../2011-stage-4/

Glad I saw this - I'm flying into Nice on Saturday with no idea the race was taking place! (Of course, I did plan the Nice visit last summer.) Same as catching the start of the Giro d'Italia in Palermo a couple of years back - again total serendipity. Thanks for the report.

Great, hope you enjoy the finial stage, I al sure it will be cool!

Stage 5 photos just posted. A demain!

http://www.parisbyphoto.com/events/P.../2011-stage-5/

Stage 6 over. Time trials were a lot of fun. Stage 6 gallery to view.

http://www.parisbyphoto.com/events/P.../2011-stage-6/

Paris-Nice is over (thank god). I can now get back to photographing Paris, once I have driven the 600 miles back that is:)

Stage 7 gallery can be found http://www.parisbyphoto.com/events/P.../2011-stage-7/

Stage 8 gallery can be found http://www.parisbyphoto.com/events/P.../2011-stage-8/

I have a few extras I will add onnc I get back to Paris. I did take a few nice shots not to do with cycling, though not many if I am honest.

Hope you enjoyed it!

I saw some of the riders coming in on the Promenade des Anglais, and they looked thoroughly wet and tired and disgruntled! Not surprising, really miserable day. (But according to cyclingnews.com you have the overall and stage winners reversed.)

Fabulous photos!!! Thanks for sharing.

@thursdaysd - thanks! I can only claim that I was tired when I wrote that. I will correct now.

@amamax2 - thanks, you are very welcome.