Tour de la Manche in photos

This is going to be a first for me, I decided to do a photo essay of my experience at the Tour de la Manche for 2016. Coming into the race I had some aspirations for the GC and maybe even a stage win on top of that. During the first stage I felt so good and was chasing down everything, and may have bitten off more than I could chew. After losing some time on the first day, I changed my focus and went all in to get it. I hope you like the pictures. I should mention that I didn't bring a good camera, so Iphone will have to do, enjoy.

From my experiences at this race the in 2015, I knew that these could be the last greens I see for a while. Baguettes and pasta forever.

My number one pastime when doing long drives, and a good way to relax before races. ‘The Expanse’ SciFi series comes highly recommended.

When the teams invade small towns and completely shut them down. They didn't mind too much, love the spectators here in France.

Aquila race machines ready to go. The perfect bike for the hilly Tour de la Manche.

It was fun to have some kids from the local school come and practice their English on us.

Team Presentation, the tall guys had a small issue with head room, but their Garneau Sprint Helmets kept them safe.

(Photo Credit: Andre Quentin) French racing is non-stop attacking all day, even when a breakaway is already minutes up the road. I love it.

Just like I remember. Good old French food. Soup was a nice touch this year.

Coach food, and a little reminder of home when spending hours following the race. Thanks Luc and Team RaceClean for making it all possible.

(Photo Credit: Andre Quentin) Short ITT on stage 2 to shake things up a little.

Everyone looking pretty tired four stages deep. Just one more!

Our little vacation home in Northern France. Right on the beach, but I never made my way over.

(Photo Credit: Andre Quentin) - In the break for the third straight day, hunting KOM points. It came right down to the end.

Nice to stand on the podium again. I had some big ambitions for this race, I ended with some different ones, but a wins a win.

Awesome battle in the final stages with EFC Etixx, 15 points to 14. Close call. Words from the team meeting were, "It's still mathematically possible."

Never give up.

Nice way to end our spring campaign for me. The race itself had some ups and downs. I was in a position to win stage three, but I was being too careful and let it slip from my grasp. Many regrets on that day. I collected myself and decided to go all in for the KOM jersey, also known as the breakaway jersey. I rode three breakaways in the last three days to secure the competition. Now it is a long day back to Canada and then just one week until the GP Saguenay!

Thanks for reading.

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