Stage 17 Digne-les-Bains – Pra-Loup, 161km and the German Giant-Alpecin rider, Simon Geschke, claimed stage 17 win with a dramatic solo break away. The bearded emotional German could not hold back the tears and clearly did not expect to win! Understandable tears certainly since it was only the third win in his seven seasons as a professional rider! Just goes to show persistence pays off and his attack halfway up the  Col d’Allos stuck and he negotiated the tricky descent down the other side with enough time to make it up to Pra Loup.

Sad news though American Tejay van Garderen dropped out of the race because of illness. When he withdrew with about 70 kilometers to go for the day, Van Garderen was lying third, just over three minutes behind leader Chris Froome. Poor guy hadn’t been doing well during the tour and just as well he made this decision.

Stage 18 of the Tour and Frenchman Romain Bardet broke clear to win the 186.5km route from Gap to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. With seven Alpine climbs and beautiful scenery a great evening’s viewing. Bardet, 24, beat a breakaway group to the top of the 1,924m Col du Glandon and, with 34km remaining of stage 18, mapped out a decisive lead, magnificent to watch him wind his way on those Alpine bends! Again I marvel at these guys’ stamina!!

However the day did not go too smoothly for Chris Froome although he finished safely among the main contenders to protect his 3min 10sec advantage over Nairo Quintana, there was a fly in the ointment. After more stories of secret motors in bikes, Froome and Sky’s rider Pinarella were among those taken away for inspection at the conclusion of the 185km racing. Where will it all end? Have to hand it to Froome though, he is handling it all very well..

 Dubbed the “Shark” Italian rider Vincenzo Nibali for Astana claimed victory on the 19th Stage of the Tour from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne – La Toussuire - Les Sybelles, 138km. After a disappointing week of racing he certainly made up for it. Detaching himself from the peleton up Col de Fer and  picking his way through chase groups he finally pulled away from Pierre Rolland on the final climb to La Toussuire. Great ride but some controversey there since some feel he's taken advantage of Froome's bike problems to gain ground..

Chris Froome however had a tough day although retaining his yellow jersey and putting up a good fight was hampered by mechanical problems with his bike which needless to say lost him a lot of time. Sad thing some spectators never give up, one spitting at the guy as he rode past. Why is nothing being done to stop this sort of behaviour. Certainly detracts from the race..

New competitor has just joined the race, wish him luck!

Stage 18 tonight, please  support the new competitors...

Catsahoy has great chance of winning Stage 20

Which is televised on SBS at 9.30 if you are in NSW

Stage 20 -Modane Valfréjus – Alpe d’Huez, 110.5km and Frenchman Thibaut Pinot grabs victory. Although having a tough three weeks this win will certainly make his countrymen proud! With six kilometers to the finish atop the Alpe d'Huez, Pinot went solo and fended off Quintana. Not for the want of trying, however Quintana was no match for the determined Frenchman .

Today the final stage and it might no longer be a rumour, but a prediction that Chris Froome will win the race! In your corner Chris!!

Wankers plus !!!   lol lol lol   BTW I am winning 'cause I have the basket of French Goodies ........Pate' - Brie - champagne - croissants'  - chicken in a basket- etc.  -  they are all chasing me for my picnic basket on the front of my bike!  Geez - can't believe I just was stupid enough to write that? Ah well ...... lol  ............. have fun!   :-)

      CHRIS FROOME :THE WINNER 2015 TOUR DE FRANCE!!!!!

Germany’s Andre Griepel won the final stage of the Tour de France but the honour went to Chris Froome as he claimed his second Tour de France title during his career. Sèvres - Grand Paris Seine Ouest – Paris Champs-Élysées, 109.5km despite the change of weather and slippery conditions, Andre Greipel grabbed his fourth stage win of the 2015 Tour, winning the bunch sprint on the Champs-Elysees in Stage 21. The German dominated the bunch sprints throughout, but he still lost out on the green jersey to Peter Sagan.

The day however was Chris Froome’s, shrugging off all the rumours and disgusting behaviour of some spectators, Chris became the first British rider to claim victory twice in the Rour de France.  Chris was focused, kept his eye on the goal and it paid off.

Well done Chris!!! 

..and now for a report on YLC competitors - they all put up a good fight some however couldn't make the grade, the overall winner was Catsahoy looking chic in her fashionable outfit, she wins the top prize - a weekend in Paris!!

This competitor however was disqualified couldn't stay on the bike, carrying too much bulk, and rumour has it she even had a few tipples before the start of the race. She was warned and has only herself to blame!

The rabbit collapsed long before the finish and was revived by intravenous carrot juice in hospital.

The fox did quite well and was commended for sharing her goodies with the team, if the rabbit recovers, she will be awarded an evening with him dining on a bowl of carrot stew, no dancing however, he won't be up to it!

As for the trike riders, the gendarmes are still looking for them. They might have fallen off the Alps in heavy rain, lost in the woods somewhere or even been abducted by aliens. Who knows????

See you all again for the next Tour de France and keep training!!!

This is your friendly Tour de France reporter signing off, see you at the next race!!

Arrghhhhhhhhh - thank God it is OVER !!!  Sick of tuning into SBS night after night and seeing these "lycra-lizards" still pedalling!  Argghhhhhhh  - lol lol ..........   :-)

Some excellent news the French police have finally located the lost trike riders. The story goes they got disoriented, fell down a ravine and landed in a meadow of Alpine flowers. Looking rather forlorn and worse for wear, they are now in the arms of disgruntled relatives..

How's the training goin Abby, time to get off the treadmill and pump those barbells!!!