1998 Tour de France

Let me say this.... if you have not gone... get yourself over there!
Buy some bread, cheese, wine.... and find a place to watch.  It is all well worth it!

Stage 15 - Grenoble-Les Deux-Alpes, 189km
If anyone saw this race live you will remember two things.  First, it was a historic and epic day in the Tour.  Secondly, the rain was absolutely horrible.  I stayed in a tent and was woken up all night long by horrendous thunder and lightning storms  Luckily I decided on one spot for my tent instead of another.  The other area turned into a giant stream about 5 inches deep.  The photos did not come out great this day.  I spent most of my day dodging rain and looking for an umbrella.

• Frankie Andreu earns his paycheck the hardway..

Stage 16 - Vizille-Albertville, 204km
Col de la Madeleine - This was one increadible stage at the '98 Tour.  I was up until 2am with a bunch of Danes drinking beer and writing our the names of riders on the road.  Traffic did not let down until they closed down the road at 8am.  Cars were coming up the mountain all day and all night.  There is an amazing family owned restaraunt halfway up the mountain on a sharp right switchback.  You will see it in the background of several of these photos.  Next time the tour does Madeleine you must stop in here for dinner!

• Marco Pantani and Jan Ullrich climb together.  There was a hush and a gasp of amazement as we saw these two come up the mountain together.  Everyone started looking at their watches and just kept shaking their heads.... the Tour was decided.
• Marco Pantani "isolated shot" climbing the Col.
• Not far behind is Tyler Hamilton climbing the Col.
• Bjarne Riis climbs the Col.  Look at those light wheels!  I wish they could have helped him more on this stage.
• Stuart O'Grady appears to be winded as he climbs the Col.
• A little further behind the peleton passes.  Tafi and Hincapie are in the middle of the pack.

Stage 18 - Aix-Les-Baines-Neuchatel, 218.5km
Cotel de la Vattay -Another stage where I camped in a little field between a switchback.  I remember this day for riding down to the village below and having a great Mushroom & Ham Omlette and then riding up to my tent with food stuffed down the back of my jersey.  I received multiple pushes to get up the mountain again.

• Bobby Julich leading Jan Ullrich up the climb.

Stage 20 - Montceau-Les_mines-Le Creusot, 52km Individual Time Trial
A day wish constant rain showers.  I remember walking about 12 blocks around various closed off roads in order to get across the street.  But once across the street I was able to get much better shots.  Perseverance pays off!

• Bobby Julich tears it up at the 400 meters to go.
• Bobby Julich just a few later as he passes me.
• Jan Ullrich passing through at light speed!  He surprises all of us because we are expecting Boogerd to pass next!

 

Stage 21 - Melun-Paris, 147.5km
All day people were coming up to me and applauding "Bravo Yullish (Julich)!".  What a day!  Bobby becomes the second American ever to stand on the podium at the Tour de France.  Let me tell you, finding a place to stand along the Champs Elysees and staying there is like fighting a giant riptide.

• Bobby Julich appears through the lens.
• Bobby Julich passes by the lens.  A few seconds later I cheer for Bobby.  He looks around to spot me in the crowd and gives me a big smile and a big thumbs up.
• A wide angle shot of Bobby and most of the Cofidis Team..