On Sunday, I was stood on a mountain waiting for a bike race.

That bike race was stage 15 of the Tour de France and the route took in the little-known climb of the Pic de Nore.

This backroad cat 1 proved to be a launchpad for the climbers within the breakaway. With 40km from the summit to the finish, things looked good for Majka from where we stood with 4.9km left to climb.

Unfortunately for him, the tailwind going up turned into a crosswind on the descent and a strong chase from behind brought him back.

Pain by Luke Justin
Pain by Luke Justin (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Watching on the road gives a unique view of the riders outside of the big groups. 

 

Movistar by Luke Justin
Movistar by Luke Justin (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Most are simply suffering, having been dropped from a bigger group.

 

Sagan by Luke Justin
Sagan by Luke Justin (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Unless you’re Sagan, who seems to have the best poker face in the game.

 

Chava by Luke Justin
Chava by Luke Justin (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Possibly the loudest cheer went to Sylvain Chavanel. Riding his 18th and final Tour, the Direct Energie rider has been a regular in breakaways, hoping to win the Super Combativitie award in Paris.