photo from: National Archive no known copyright restrictions. I like the spectators leaning out of the windows.
Jaap Kersten cycling uphill on the cobbles of the Muur de Gramont (Geraardsbergen) 23 june 1961. (from the Tour of Flanders) Cycling on cobbles is particularly wearing. Not only is it harder to pedal, but, also the shock can easily lead to tendinitis in the hands and wrists. When cobbles are wet, they can become as slippy as icerinks.
Another great shot, this time from the Tour de France in the 1930s. Federico Ezquerra (Spain), pictured here, was the first to reach the top of the Col de Télégraphe and the Galibier in this stage. Tour de France 1934. Location unknown. In those days, the alpine passes were little more than dirt roads, punctures were very common and descending needed nerves of steel.
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