It was the start of the spring classics, with Omloop and KBK, which had surprise winners (at least not the usual suspects) and interesting podiums. As if classics weren’t enough, it’s also the time of the season for TWEETS OF THE WEEK to come out of hibernation and get back into the Tuesday groove. Enjoy!

Classics weekend

All about Omloop

One of my favourite tweets from OHN21

Because we do love Barbie here at VeloVoices Towers

A Sunday in Belgium

It seemed like everyone had their money on Mathieu van der Poel for the win – he went out 80km from the finish and then the chase was on.

It ain’t over til it’s over …

The Gruppetto

Just looking forward to Saturday … the most beautiful final kilometre in racing …

Ride the cobbles with Roubaix women.

Orla, you’ve been raising that girl right! ‘…are they pretending to be chickens?’ – priceless

The last word

The Twitterstream is teeming – TEEMING, I say – with controversy, laughs, gifs of distinction, and good-natured teasing. Why? Because the 2021 cycling season is ON! And kickin’ up the dust.

Monument or no Monument

We have this conversation every year and every year it’s just as passionate as ever. Why? Because there is so much love for Strade Bianche – from riders and fans alike.

Um … no.

Name your superhero

Hoods or Drops

Sam Bennett took stage 1 of Paris-Nice with a virtuoso performance on the hoods. Well, that put the cat amongst the pigeons!

All the winners

A little more Stradeness for you …

More about Sam – now, who could have been the Irish rider in the leader’s jersey 31 years ago? Hmmmm … can you do the calculations?

GPs with ham

Happiness is …

… the spring of Mark Cavendish

Let us sing a song of Adam Blythe

Why we love Adam on comms. Also, when he talks about what’s going on in the peloton, he actually knows.

Whoever did the captions should get a mortadella ham of their own.

Who knew that Brian Cookson had a sense of humour?

Love this.

And the man loves echelons. It’s going to be a fun season!

The gruppetto

PhilGil had a fair chunk of Stage 1 of Paris-Nice in the break. Yep, he’s getting ready.

This is our favourite part of big races as well. It’s the only way I can keep doing Tweets of the Week for 9 years.

Have to make sure Belinda‘s represented, as she gives such good gif!

The last word

There was a lot of racing last week but, actually, if you missed Sunday’s stages in Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice, you missed the most astonishing, heartbreaking, just batshit crazy day of cycling. It was glorious! We have all the reactions …

Roglic’s resolve

We start with Primoz Roglic‘s #ShitDayofUnluck on the final stage of Paris-Nice. Crashing hard with 50km to go, he continued riding as hard as he could in torn shorts and bloody haunches … and kept riding … crashed again … and kept riding, even when he knew he’d lost the overall and in fact plummeted out of the top 10.

And his class

Just as he went over to congratulate Tadej Pogacar after losing the Tour de France on the penultimate day, Roglic went over to congratulate Max Schachmann on winning his second consecutive Paris-Nice.

Was the race on? Or was it karma?

Of course, Roglic’s ‘mare of a day came after he took Saturday’s stage, blowing past Gino Mader in the last few metres, after Mader had been riding solo and was in touching distance of his first big stage win. There were a lot of tweets castigating Roglic for doing this – surely ‘Mader deserved the win’? ‘How dare Rog!’ ‘We hate him, we hate him!’ But Mader had the perfect response.

While it was sad that Mader didn’t get his win, think about it for a second. After Roglic lost the Tour de France, do you not think that he went through every single stage of that Tour to see where he missed an opportunity to take seconds when he had the chance? He’s learned the hard way that every second does count.

But then, after Roglic’s crashes 1 and 2 on Sunday’s final stage, the peloton went full gas, disregarding the unwritten rule of not attacking the yellow jersey if he crashes or has a mechanical. There were some who relished this as a sign that the peloton was punishing him. There were also some who thought it was #unclass from Bora and Astana, who were driving the pace.

Meanwhile, over in Italy …

It was a Tirreno-Adriatico stage with pouring rain and shivering riders. It was just like Belgium! (which of course is a compliment!!!)

Luke felt for the staffers outside in the rain, holding out those musettes.

I’ll be honest. When MvdP went away with 60km to go and got a decent gap, my heart sank and I thought it was just going to be another solo ride for the win with little opposition. And, you know, those kinds of wins aren’t the most exciting to watch for hours. But then, but THEN, Pogs decides to challenge him for supremacy. And it proved to be one of the most spectacular finishes ever.

It took every ounce of strength and all the willpower to keep going, but he did and MvdP took an unbelievably tense (and gorgeous) victory. While I’m fairly neutral about him – I neither love nor actively dislike him – there is no doubt in my mind that he is an incredible rider and we’re lucky he’s in the peloton. Riders like him sharpen the skills of everyone around them.

Pogs also took more time between himself and Wout Van Aert for the GC lead. It’ll come down to the time trial but at the moment Pogs is in the catbird seat. (Obviously this was written before Tuesday’s stage!)

What a day of racing

It was tense and intense … and mind-blowing all round.

The Gruppetto

A few lighter moments for your enjoyment!

The last word

It was the start of the spring classics, with Omloop and KBK, which had surprise winners (at least not the usual suspects) and interesting podiums. As if classics weren’t enough, it’s also the time of the season for TWEETS OF THE WEEK to come out of hibernation and get back into the Tuesday groove. Enjoy!

Classics weekend

All about Omloop

One of my favourite tweets from OHN21

Because we do love Barbie here at VeloVoices Towers

A Sunday in Belgium

It seemed like everyone had their money on Mathieu van der Poel for the win – he went out 80km from the finish and then the chase was on.

It ain’t over til it’s over …

The Gruppetto

Just looking forward to Saturday … the most beautiful final kilometre in racing …

Ride the cobbles with Roubaix women.

Orla, you’ve been raising that girl right! ‘…are they pretending to be chickens?’ – priceless

The last word

The Twitterstream is teeming – TEEMING, I say – with controversy, laughs, gifs of distinction, and good-natured teasing. Why? Because the 2021 cycling season is ON! And kickin’ up the dust.

Monument or no Monument

We have this conversation every year and every year it’s just as passionate as ever. Why? Because there is so much love for Strade Bianche – from riders and fans alike.

Um … no.

Name your superhero

Hoods or Drops

Sam Bennett took stage 1 of Paris-Nice with a virtuoso performance on the hoods. Well, that put the cat amongst the pigeons!

All the winners

A little more Stradeness for you …

More about Sam – now, who could have been the Irish rider in the leader’s jersey 31 years ago? Hmmmm … can you do the calculations?

GPs with ham

Happiness is …

… the spring of Mark Cavendish

Let us sing a song of Adam Blythe

Why we love Adam on comms. Also, when he talks about what’s going on in the peloton, he actually knows.

Whoever did the captions should get a mortadella ham of their own.

Who knew that Brian Cookson had a sense of humour?

Love this.

And the man loves echelons. It’s going to be a fun season!

The gruppetto

PhilGil had a fair chunk of Stage 1 of Paris-Nice in the break. Yep, he’s getting ready.

This is our favourite part of big races as well. It’s the only way I can keep doing Tweets of the Week for 9 years.

Have to make sure Belinda‘s represented, as she gives such good gif!

The last word

There was a lot of racing last week but, actually, if you missed Sunday’s stages in Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice, you missed the most astonishing, heartbreaking, just batshit crazy day of cycling. It was glorious! We have all the reactions …

Roglic’s resolve

We start with Primoz Roglic‘s #ShitDayofUnluck on the final stage of Paris-Nice. Crashing hard with 50km to go, he continued riding as hard as he could in torn shorts and bloody haunches … and kept riding … crashed again … and kept riding, even when he knew he’d lost the overall and in fact plummeted out of the top 10.

And his class

Just as he went over to congratulate Tadej Pogacar after losing the Tour de France on the penultimate day, Roglic went over to congratulate Max Schachmann on winning his second consecutive Paris-Nice.

Was the race on? Or was it karma?

Of course, Roglic’s ‘mare of a day came after he took Saturday’s stage, blowing past Gino Mader in the last few metres, after Mader had been riding solo and was in touching distance of his first big stage win. There were a lot of tweets castigating Roglic for doing this – surely ‘Mader deserved the win’? ‘How dare Rog!’ ‘We hate him, we hate him!’ But Mader had the perfect response.

While it was sad that Mader didn’t get his win, think about it for a second. After Roglic lost the Tour de France, do you not think that he went through every single stage of that Tour to see where he missed an opportunity to take seconds when he had the chance? He’s learned the hard way that every second does count.

But then, after Roglic’s crashes 1 and 2 on Sunday’s final stage, the peloton went full gas, disregarding the unwritten rule of not attacking the yellow jersey if he crashes or has a mechanical. There were some who relished this as a sign that the peloton was punishing him. There were also some who thought it was #unclass from Bora and Astana, who were driving the pace.

Meanwhile, over in Italy …

It was a Tirreno-Adriatico stage with pouring rain and shivering riders. It was just like Belgium! (which of course is a compliment!!!)

Luke felt for the staffers outside in the rain, holding out those musettes.

I’ll be honest. When MvdP went away with 60km to go and got a decent gap, my heart sank and I thought it was just going to be another solo ride for the win with little opposition. And, you know, those kinds of wins aren’t the most exciting to watch for hours. But then, but THEN, Pogs decides to challenge him for supremacy. And it proved to be one of the most spectacular finishes ever.

It took every ounce of strength and all the willpower to keep going, but he did and MvdP took an unbelievably tense (and gorgeous) victory. While I’m fairly neutral about him – I neither love nor actively dislike him – there is no doubt in my mind that he is an incredible rider and we’re lucky he’s in the peloton. Riders like him sharpen the skills of everyone around them.

Pogs also took more time between himself and Wout Van Aert for the GC lead. It’ll come down to the time trial but at the moment Pogs is in the catbird seat. (Obviously this was written before Tuesday’s stage!)

What a day of racing

It was tense and intense … and mind-blowing all round.

The Gruppetto

A few lighter moments for your enjoyment!

The last word

It was a Monument weekend with the Tour of Flanders and we have the tweets to prove it! And once again, the winner wasn’t the rider that most people were talking about. That red and white nat champ’s jersey gives Kasper Asgreen some real superpowers.

Daring to race

Following on from his marvellous E3 win the week before, Kasper Asgreen proved that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the spring classics – he rides his own race, shows no fear and isn’t intimidated by anyone.

“Nice dreams you have there, it would be a shame to see them crushed.”, Asgreen.

— nyvelocity (@nyvelocity) April 4, 2021

Tour of Flanders Result (Look away now if you don't want to know!)
What a race! After a war of attrition Kasper Asgreen w ins at the 2021 Tour of Flanders having take the fight to Mathieu Van Der Poel in the closing meters and proving to be the last man standing! pic.twitter.com/2wdxAaO0th

— GlobalCyclingNetwork (@gcntweet) April 4, 2021

"He is someone who dares to race and dares to continue to the finish."#sbscycling #couchpeloton #RVV21https://t.co/uAytK4BN9R

— CyclingCentral (@CyclingCentral) April 5, 2021

Here’s my theory about today. Top of the Paterberg, Asgreen knew he had van der Poel. Big balls to back his sprint, but he is quick.

— David Hunter (@cyclingmole) April 4, 2021

Let's stop talking rubbish…Kasper Asgreen showed some balls today to put the win down to a sprint…not many would have given him a chance…2 UP sprint for the win…all or nothing…Great finish

— Brian Smith (@BriSmithy) April 4, 2021

I’m old enough to remember when everybody used to be afraid to take van der Poel to the finish.

— spokeydokey (@spokedoke) April 4, 2021

The LouLou bit didn’t work out for Mihai, but he pretty much got the rest of it right.

The most likely scenario is that Deceuninck will destroy the race at some point and isolate WVA and MVDP. Probably Asgreen will attack first. Without Styby, they will be weaker but still the strongest. After what happened last year, I admit that I will cheer for Loulou. #RVV21 pic.twitter.com/jgHdm5nsoO

— Mihai Simion (@faustocoppi60) April 4, 2021

With it just down to Van der Poel and Asgreen, everyone thought it was a foregone conclusion that MvdP would do the double

That one aged like a $3 bottle of vinegar https://t.co/o6BTcUzlkK

— Peter Flax (@Pflax1) April 4, 2021

Bugger me. #RVV

— John Galloway (@VelocastJohn) April 4, 2021

#TheWolfpack spirit
Photo: @BeelWout pic.twitter.com/6n84rlezg7

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) April 4, 2021

Respect. #RVV21 @k_asgreen @mathieuvdpoel pic.twitter.com/bkIQqm4Uto

— daniel (@cyclingreporter) April 4, 2021

Winners interview pic.twitter.com/KxS0KEnHip

— British Cycle Sport (@VeloUK) April 4, 2021

That bouquet is a nice base for a tasty casserole.

Some fresh vegetables for @k_asgreen after his victory in Flanders' Finest! Perfect for a tasty recovery after a hard race! #RVV21 pic.twitter.com/BlLY2jcq3m

— Ronde Van Vlaanderen (@RondeVlaanderen) April 4, 2021

A vegetable bouquet? The Asgreen family are going to be living high on casseroles for the next few weeks. pic.twitter.com/jGEhW015Dy

— Journal Velo (@JournalVelo) April 4, 2021

Ronde van Vlaanderen #RVV21 | TOP10 pic.twitter.com/YX1N74OMvz

— ammattipyöräily (@ammattipyoraily) April 4, 2021

Now this is quite the list to be on

Winners of @E3SaxoClassic and @RondeVlaanderen in same year:
1963: Noël Foré
1976: Walter Planckaert
1979: Jan Raas
1998: Johan Museeuw
1999: Peter Van Petegem
2005, 2006 and 2012: Tom Boonen
2010 and 2013: Fabian Cancellara
2018: Niki Terpstra
2021: Danish legend!

— Jarle Fredagsvik (@Fredagsvik) April 4, 2021

Kasper Asgreen becomes the second-ever Dane to win the Tour of Flanders after Rolf Sørensen in 1997. He also takes Deceuninck – Quick-Step's ninth De Ronde victory since the turn of the millennium. pic.twitter.com/5OEkNvrOP6

— The Road Book (@CyclingAlmanack) April 4, 2021

E3 and now the Ronde for Asgreen pic.twitter.com/OIHonJSOmE

— the Inner Ring (@inrng) April 4, 2021

And those who weren’t Asgreen

MvdP says he wears his white shorts when he’s feeling good – so the black shorts meant that he wasn’t looking for much?

He was really down on himself in the preface interview: "I think I left my best form in Italy." Black shorts probably a reflection of that.

— ednl (@ednl) April 4, 2021

He obviously felt pretty good for the entire race bar the final 30-some metres.

The lactic acid in MDVPs legs must have been overflowing to stop with meters to go. #RVV

— Chris Carlson (@Kiss_my_Panache) April 4, 2021

GVA was looking for his first Flanders title – he didn’t get it, mind you, but he did round off the podium on the third step. And he was still in gold.

Aww! Greg van Avermaet gets a bit of quality time as the peloton heads through his home town! #sbscycling #RVV21 #couchpeloton pic.twitter.com/T0pwcGYqEZ

— CyclingCentral (@CyclingCentral) April 4, 2021

Unpopular opinion: I love the GVA has stuck with Gold. You’ll all@miss it when it’s gone. Unless he wins again! #RVV21 #CouchPeloton pic.twitter.com/QuOnagUlNS

— Belinda (@reallyspoketome) April 4, 2021

Greg Van Avermaet: "It's a benefit not being the big favourite today, not everyone will be watching me in the peloton."

Also Greg: "I WANT EVERYTHING GOLD!!"#RVV21

— Max's Cycling Thoughts (@CyclingOpinions) April 4, 2021

Last year’s runner-up in Flanders was one of the hot favourites for the day. But unfortunately Wout Van Aert just didn’t had the oomph when he needed it on the last climbs.

That feels like a “no”. https://t.co/tEPGaCh88s

— nyvelocity (@nyvelocity) April 4, 2021

Alaphilippe throws an elbow, the look on Wout’s face says, “This guy.”

— nyvelocity (@nyvelocity) April 4, 2021

Possibly one of the most poetic tweets about a rider who is pissed off

WVA goes back and his anger is a light-refracting incandescence that skittles the spilled water across his cold and boiling face

— базаров нет (@chewy_sky) April 4, 2021

Edge of couch… #rvv pic.twitter.com/R0n3CggIGS

— Grimpeur Bros Specialty Coffee (@GrimpeurBros) April 4, 2021

And a few tweets just too good to miss.

The Oude Kwaremont is like Lawrence of Arabia—longer than anyone wants it to be.

— Peter Flax (@Pflax1) April 4, 2021

Kings of the road #RVV21 pic.twitter.com/U6u068Ttyy

— Rachel (@super_ruck) April 4, 2021

SAGAN: "When the decisive attacks came, my current form just wasn't enough to respond and follow them. I need to keep working in order to reach the level I had before being infected with Covid."

Don't worry Sagz I still love you. https://t.co/qUrdMS7T7o

— Jim Cotton (@jim_c_1985) April 4, 2021

Cofidis corner – Christophe Laporte was making his presence known on Sunday, after coming in second at Dwars door Vlaanderen earlier in the week.

Laporte is having ONE HECK of an under-the-radar spring campaign! Where’s your LesCof report, @JournalVelo?!

— Luke (@LukeTheCycliste) April 4, 2021

Your lack of interest in the classics has you missing the team’s best performances in like…ever.

— Luke (@LukeTheCycliste) April 4, 2021

Boonen, beef and bidons

The obligatory Adam Blythe lovefest (and he deserves it!).

Blythe's incredulity to them letting an Elegant-QuickStep rider go is everyone everywhere #RVV21

— Issie (@IssieAtch) April 4, 2021

While commentating the first part of the race, Daniel Lloyd said something to the effect that the climbs weren’t particularly difficult, to which Blythe laughed and gave the best line of the entire race.

Have I just come into commentary with Tom Boonen

— midge (@pariswheels) April 4, 2021

On the other hand, it was Unsavoury Corner for the finish of the race.

“A whole tray of beef” is a VERY adult way of describing a men’s race, Carlton. There are children watching, for goodness sake!

— Luke (@LukeTheCycliste) April 4, 2021

Did conjure up a rather unsavoury picture in my mind

— Steph Sittlington (@shamleaf) April 4, 2021

Michal Schar had a ‘Shit Day of Unluck’ with mechanicals a go-go. As he was trying to ride back to the peloton, he tossed his bidon to a fan at the side of the road … which now, inexplicably, is against the UCI rules and he was disqualified from the race. This will be a rule that will provoke outrage and controversy all season long!

“Throwing a bison at a rider” may be my favourite autocorrect yet. I’ve turned off autocorrect on my phone. Maybe time to do it on my Mac as well.

— John Galloway (@VelocastJohn) April 4, 2021

Like so many, I support @michaelschaer !
> @UCI_cycling : YES to minimal pollution / NO to disproportionate measures for riders
> @alexdowsett (like Michael on IG) strikes a good point too btw
> so no more @LeTour caravan either from now on I presume? right?#wastegate https://t.co/5NPcdZnSuB

— kristof ramon (@kristoframon) April 5, 2021

The crowds might not have been by the roadside, but that didn’t stop the vehicular art in the fields

The guy that out this together now has a great CV https://t.co/OClT5FuZNa

— Journal Velo (@JournalVelo) April 4, 2021

YES YOU DID!! pic.twitter.com/BQeAbUKAm6

— nyvelocity (@nyvelocity) April 4, 2021

Van Baarle and the race no one wanted to win

Dwars door Vlaanderen was a strange race where it felt like the majority of the peloton didn’t want to win it. Well, everyone but Dylan Van Baarle who put in a fine performance to take a solo win.

As with a few other folk I'm a bit baffled by this race. I assume some folk are keeping their powder dry for Sunday.

— John Galloway (@VelocastJohn) March 31, 2021

G2 is full of "you do it".

— nyvelocity (@nyvelocity) March 31, 2021

A very sunny and hard day at the office. Credits to @DylanvanBaarle, but disappointed we did not worked good enough together to close the gap. Sunday’s another chance for a good result! #DDVmen #RideDifferently #RoulonsAutrement pic.twitter.com/R37C8UE6du

— Greg Van Avermaet (@GregVanAvermaet) March 31, 2021

I've always liked Dylan van Baarle. He's a quiet workhorse, often at or near the front of affairs but rarely asked to talk about it. And he looks like a proper old-fashioned bike racer.
#DDV21

— Kit Nicholson (@kit_e_nicholson) March 31, 2021

*Attenborough voice*

And here we see the lesser-spotted Ineos Grenadier's (semi) Classics win #DDV21

— Issie (@IssieAtch) March 31, 2021

Happy to see this from the man who rides like robocop.

— Belinda (@reallyspoketome) March 31, 2021

October is the new April

Paris-Roubaix was on until it was off.

Schrodingers bike race

— William Fotheringham (@willfoth) March 31, 2021

Both the men’s and the women’s race are scheduled for the first weekend in October.

It was very important that both the men’s and women’s edition of @ParisRoubaix be held in 2021.

Pleased that together with all parties concerned, we have found new dates: October 2-3 2021 #UCIWT @UCI_WWT pic.twitter.com/ilTzbpSqZe

— David Lappartient (@DLappartient) April 1, 2021

Pray for October. pic.twitter.com/a8vPU9E4dB

— Les Amis de Paris-Roubaix (@A_ParisRoubaix) April 1, 2021

And a cobbled April fools tweet

Hahahahaha !

Jamais, je dis bien jamais, rien ne pourra reproduire l'effet des pavés du Nord, vent de face dans la tronche ! pic.twitter.com/iq9B94kubA

— Julie Dremière (@ju_drem) April 1, 2021

The last word

#MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/HZWYQYYaiD

— Mad Men Quotes (@MadMenQts) April 5, 2021

With the cancellation of Paris-Roubaix this weekend, I thought I’d be struggling for a big story. But NO! It was as if we all stepped into Dr Peabody’s Wayback Machine and arrived at the peak of Mark Cavendish’s pomp. He took the day in Monday’s stage of the Tour of Turkey and it looked like he went so fast he turned the clock back. Plus we have the return of Fabio Jakobsen, a generous Primoz Roglic and some pavé.

Rockets ablaze

Everyone had their hopes high when it was announced that Mark Cavendish would be returning to QuickStep for the 2021 season. With each race, he was getting closer and closer until in Monday’s Tour of Turkey stage, he brought that turn of speed that we remember and took his first blazing (and emotional) win of the season.

A video that will make your day pic.twitter.com/Js9xgNZo5n

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) April 12, 2021

pic.twitter.com/Nv9OVsnOtO

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) April 12, 2021

Aww. https://t.co/3Nionfuf4S

— Amy E White (@AmyEWhite3) April 12, 2021

And what a popular win that was on our Twitterstream.

Can't remember seeing happier Cavendish after taking 147th pro win. It was literally a stage win that was won. Nothing based on luck. Greipel fulfilled partly retro top trio by crossing finish line in 3rd place. Hadn't bet on Cav but as tweeted yday, not a surprise. #TUR2021 pic.twitter.com/6lLYWOBEP8

— ammattipyöräily (@ammattipyoraily) April 12, 2021

Not a dry eye anywhere surely!? I’d seen Cav had won, then watched the replay, still screaming at my telly C’MON CAV! & the way he appeared like The Phantom

— 𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 (@OttilieQ) April 12, 2021

This has made my day! https://t.co/4oh86p1bLA

— Jacky 3.5%. Please wear a mask/keep your space (@alswifejacky) April 12, 2021

Even the guy he beat!

I preferred to win after a great lead out by my teammates. But it’s an honour to stand on the podium with these two legends. Up to the Turkish Riveira tomorrow pic.twitter.com/uceq1IwpHT

— Jasper Philipsen (@JasperPhilipsen) April 12, 2021

A small part of me wishes I could be in the mix during sprints like this. 2 of the best the sport has seen @MarkCavendish @AndreGreipel
Hats off to the whole @TeamIsraelSUN sprint train. Happy I can still pass on my sprint preparation experience on paper if not on the road. https://t.co/g5Kb62rSvV

— Greg Henderson (@Greghenderson1) April 12, 2021

I’m personally looking forward to Andre Greipel taking a win soon.

Last time Mark Cavendish and Andre Greipel finished together on the podium of a race was 1506 days ago.

— CafeRoubaix (@CafeRoubaix) April 12, 2021

And there was a very special rider helping Cav make his win a reality.

Tour of Turkey: Victory for Cav!

Mark Cavendish: "It’s incredible, it’s super nice and I never get tired of this feeling! What made me super proud was that Fabio was involved in this, working at the front in the finale"
More: https://t.co/qwgFWIhN2H pic.twitter.com/Gsle2t7q8q

— VeloUK Cycling Mag (@AussieLarry) April 12, 2021

After that horrific crash last year, Fabio Jakobsen is back and in the lead out train.

Pic of the day @MarkCavendish @FabioJakobsen @deceuninck_qst pic.twitter.com/Ed28qXXUva

— Brian Smith (@BriSmithy) April 12, 2021

This was what Fabio posted the other day – his first day back

Fabio Jakobsen: It was good for me to make my return with a short stage and get used again to being in a peloton. I must admit that in the beginning, when they went right and left and the bunch had to brake a couple of times, I got a bit scared, but afterwards everything was fine pic.twitter.com/qCF03CCh2G

— VeloUK Cycling Mag (@AussieLarry) April 11, 2021

welcome back, champion!! Best of lucks with the season ahead, so happy to see you in the peloton again!

— Volta a Catalunya (@VoltaCatalunya) April 11, 2021

Giving gifts

After all the brouhaha of Paris-Nice and Primoz Roglic giving no gifts to Gino Mäder, we see that it wasn’t because Roglic was a vicious man. It was because it was the penultimate stage and he needed to take as many seconds (including bonuses). How do we know this. Because on Saturday, he fought back to win the overall by working with David Gaudu and Hugh Carthy in an audacious break. They let him take all the bonus seconds on offer during their time out front, then, under the flamme rouge, when he knew he had the overall clinched, he gave Gaudu a fist bump and the stage was the Frenchman’s. Because Roglic really is a good guy.

When your son scores his first goal in Sunday league.#Itzulia pic.twitter.com/HYfWwWTfjO

— Will Newton (@InsidePeloton96) April 10, 2021

Love the little fist bump between them as they went under the flamme rouge 

What a finale to the Itzulia Basque Country yesterday! Gaudu and Roglič work together brilliantly for Gaudu to take the stage and Roglič the overall. ⁠

Relive the action with GCN+ https://t.co/dLJWtRs0ym pic.twitter.com/jrvusmKZyN

— GlobalCyclingNetwork (@gcntweet) April 11, 2021

Rog always seems to be balanced, stable and focussed on the bike. Like the anti Alaphilippe

— Pursuit Books (@Pursuitbooks) April 10, 2021

Jumbo rider Jonas Vingegaard was in the chasing group with Rog’s arch-rival Tadej Pogacar, making sure that he was always on his wheel and making sure the chase group didn’t get organised. And he got himself second step on the final podium.

Vingegaard doing a great job disrupting the chase group. At the moment, the three-man Roglic group is stronger than the six-man Pogacar group, with Roglic doing basically all the work up front while Pogacar and Valverde wave their arms all over the place. #Itzulia2021

— Neal Rogers (@nealrogers) April 10, 2021

#Itzulia2021

This is the meaning of #samenwinnen pic.twitter.com/KsbL7qRuGl

— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) April 10, 2021

Vingegaard doing a sterling job in this chase group.#Itzulia pic.twitter.com/SBaCdQVmm0

— Will Newton (@InsidePeloton96) April 10, 2021

Vingegaard #Itzulia2021 pic.twitter.com/mz9Ir2VJeg

— cyclingmagazine (@radsportmagazin) April 10, 2021

Hello I wrote about one of the most beautiful and exciting bike races of the whole season https://t.co/tV0ivMZC0B

— kate wagner (@mcmansionhell) April 12, 2021

It's not a hot take – because I pondered on it for a while – but here are my thoughts on Roglic and his giving of gifts in the peloton. https://t.co/ZI3sAQ2Pef

— Sadhbh O'Shea (@SadhbhOS) April 12, 2021

This is how Roglic celebrated his victory. He’s got his eye on that top step on the Champs.

Primoz Roglic put his rivals on notice as he reconrd both Tour TT stages the day after winning Basque Country. https://t.co/w5uHZ95dbS

— CyclingTips (@cyclingtips) April 12, 2021

The last word

Were Niagara but a cataract of sand, would you travel your thousand miles to see it?

— Moby Dick (@MobyDickatSea) April 12, 2021

It was Ardennes week – with a LouLou-lovin’ Fleche Wallonne on Wednesday and a first Monument for Pogs. We also have Spot the Difference with the Yates Brothers, cocky kids doing stuff in races, a Wanty Wunderkind, and Marcel Kittel living his best life

Pogs takes his Monument

Would be nice to see a little more emotion. #LBL #LBL21 pic.twitter.com/CUVeLs0UIK

— daniel (@cyclingreporter) April 25, 2021

We won @davideformolo we won!! thank you https://t.co/Wpp97SXBaQ

— Tadej Pogačar (@TamauPogi) April 25, 2021

I admire people’s dedication to their brands, for example Tadej Pogačar always having tufts of hair sticking out of his helmet

— Robyn (@robynjournalist) April 25, 2021

Why does Pog’s hair do that, so very consistently?

— Pursuit Books (@Pursuitbooks) April 25, 2021

Oh really? It's an inherently tufty helmet!

— Pursuit Books (@Pursuitbooks) April 26, 2021

Pogacar was 8 when Valverde first won Liege.

— Daniel Lloyd (@daniellloyd1) April 25, 2021

The photofinish

I’m actually a little scared to mention photofinishes after Amstel (for the record: Draw as many red lines as you want on the picture, Wout won that one), but luckily this was a bit more straightforward.

Camera in the wrong place. Woods won. https://t.co/SPxZmHZwPN

— Freddie Shires (@fshires) April 25, 2021

For the second year in a row, Julian Alaphilippe has been beaten at the line at @LiegeBastogneL by a Slovenian star, this time by Tadej Pogačar.

: @ChrisAuldPhoto

Powered by @flobikes #FlandersOnFlo pic.twitter.com/9KeN1uK1Jv

— peloton® (@pelotonmagazine) April 25, 2021

The World Champion might not have won LBL but …

Proud of you, @alafpolak1
You left everything out there in #LBL! pic.twitter.com/TnjBBemWjb

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) April 25, 2021

he won Fleche Wallonne on Wednesday

When you just won #FlecheWallonne for the third time.
Photo: A.S.O./Aurélien Vialatte pic.twitter.com/fqM9mw3f0v

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) April 21, 2021

But I’m not sure it was one of the most exciting victories in history.

That was one of the best and most thrilling #FlecheWallonne finishes in history. pic.twitter.com/mqRkEq7duO

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) April 21, 2021

Really interesting insight from Dan Martin

First time in my career I’m not racing @flechewallonne Strange feeling but I now realize why people say it’s a boring race. As a rider it’s one of the most intense stressful races on the calendar. Interesting how it doesn’t translate into good viewing. Cheering for @rusty_woods

— Dan Martin (@DanMartin86) April 21, 2021

Vliegen the Valiant

#LBL21

And now Loïc goes on his own! He has 50 seconds on the peloton with Quinten Hermans!

28 km pic.twitter.com/TcmHRiNPDb

— Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert (@IntermarcheWG) April 25, 2021

Cra(m)p. #LBL

— (((Lukas Knöfler))) (@lukascph) April 25, 2021

cramp for Loïc Vliegen. Job done though, Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert probably can't win but this is their home race and they've been on TV all afternoon

— the Inner Ring (@inrng) April 25, 2021

Don’t get cocky, kids

And yet, we know how it’ll end! https://t.co/9ZVVIufYi2

— Journal Velo (@JournalVelo) April 25, 2021

Ineos is empty handed after that work, reminds me of Milano-Sanremo #lbl

— Gregor Brown (@gregorbrown) April 25, 2021

DSM clearly struggling from having been cursed for wearing old Sky uniforms… #couchpeloton

— Angelic Scootus (@evilscootus) April 25, 2021

Cofidis–the dodgy comedy club ad libbers of the peloton. #LBL #CouchPeloton

— Jamie Naragon (@TdF4077) April 25, 2021

The Gap

"Mom, can I have some big attacks from far in LBL?"

Mom: "We have big attacks at home."#LBL21 pic.twitter.com/DQgLva6n2J

— Mihai Simion (@faustocoppi60) April 25, 2021

One of these days, the 'favourites' will miscalculate, and someone from the early breakaway will win a Monument.

— (((Lukas Knöfler))) (@lukascph) April 25, 2021

Style and details

This looks great – and it’s heartening to see Fabio Aru with such a big smile on his face.

A little something special on the shoulders of @FabioAru1 today…

How beautiful is that @assos_com #BicyclesChangeLives jersey?

James Startt pic.twitter.com/5vXDRDmwI9

— Team Qhubeka ASSOS (@QhubekaAssos) April 24, 2021

Stupid sunnies.

I hate that gigantic insect look. pic.twitter.com/2Uhj4RA5fy

— Bronagh (@BeebsyMcA) April 23, 2021

Yates or Yates? That was the question

I honestly seriously can't. Not by looks, nor by results – it's all one big blur to me.

— (((Lukas Knöfler))) (@lukascph) April 23, 2021

For Sadhbh, it’s all about the details.

Adam is on the left and Simon is on the right. Easy. pic.twitter.com/RSTmlYOgnM

— Sadhbh O'Shea (@SadhbhOS) April 23, 2021

These are identical men with beards. I’ll never be able to tell them apart.

— Luke (@LukeTheCycliste) April 23, 2021

And the glory of the win!

pic.twitter.com/7FoFDvaBGH

— Sadhbh O'Shea (@SadhbhOS) April 23, 2021

Marcel without regrets

Just after the Tour of Turkey, there was a tweet about how Marcel Kittel must be jealous of Cav‘s resurgence (he isn’t) and then a tone-deaf, insulting comment on Eurosport about why Kittel retired. Andy McGrath had the last word on that one …

More than demeaning; not the right way to frame mental health issues to a listening audience of thousands.

No need for big drama: I'm sure Carlton meant it differently, but I hope a producer or someone has a little word post-race about how to phrase it better in future https://t.co/S2fUnCfxL5

— Andy McGrath (@Andymcgra) April 21, 2021

I went to see Marcel Kittel at home in November 2019 for @rouleur. His girlfriend was expecting their first child a month later. He spoke like he had nothing left to prove in the sport and I was struck by his total happiness. If that's "giving in", then we all should!

— Andy McGrath (@Andymcgra) April 21, 2021

The last word

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marcel Kittel (@marcelkittel)

It was a strange week in cycling – namely because one didn’t know what to expect at the start of each stage of the Tour de Romandie. But apparently, it’s like the Tour de France … [right, sure, yeah]. We also have a sneak preview of what the Worlds 2025 might look like with the Tour de Rwanda. And we collect the Giro startlists and team tweets as they talk all big and bad. 

The weird world of #TDR2021

It was a VERY wet and difficult stage, just look at the photo. Everybody worked very hard for the win, right from the start but, unfortunately, it wasn't possible to close the late attack by Soler. Queen stage tomorrow, with lots of climbing!https://t.co/zz32FD2jlG

— Peter Sagan (@petosagan) April 30, 2021

Kinda sums up today pic.twitter.com/HlRH1N4rTy

— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) April 30, 2021

Another day of rain at the @TourDeRomandie, another day of dramatic racing with a GC change. Michael Woods rode himself into a narrow lead over Geraint Thomas

: @ChrisAuldPhoto pic.twitter.com/VrXaGFvjVK

— peloton® (@pelotonmagazine) May 1, 2021

‘It’s not like I haven’t performed since I won the Tour,’ says Geraint Thomas, who reaffirms his form with Romandie win https://t.co/UA1G4J5oxM

— Cycling Weekly (@cyclingweekly) May 3, 2021

This must surely be the first time winning the Tour de Romandie (bless its heart) has been compared to winning the Tour de France. That must have been some long dry spell …

First win since @LeTour 2018

Winning the @TourDeRomandie brought back some special memories for @GeraintThomas86 pic.twitter.com/GC9EXtFePa

— UCI (@UCI_cycling) May 3, 2021

When you jinx the weather @GeraintThomas86

Romandie was one of the most memorable races of the year so far. Go behind the scenes with us across the week in our latest Off-script.

Full video https://t.co/ROiDIb8dsY pic.twitter.com/hminbZKcE9

— INEOS Grenadiers (@INEOSGrenadiers) May 3, 2021

Geraint Thomas being the absolute MVP of the weekend. pic.twitter.com/eFdgMXEgmY

— Cycling out of context (@OutOfCycling) May 2, 2021

Amy E White with the tuff love for Vivz 

Challenging to stay awake most likely
Crikey!!! I feel for ya
That shizzz was boring af
Just saying.
Stay strong!

— Amy E White (@AmyEWhite3) April 28, 2021

The mystery of Romandie – what’s with the handwritten numbers?

pic.twitter.com/oViZCXCuf8

— Cycling out of context (@OutOfCycling) May 2, 2021

Received a blank red number for being the most aggressive rider, so my good DS did the best he could to write my number on it.

— Magnus Cort (@MagnusCort) May 3, 2021

The Tour of Rwanda

With the UCI championships to be played out on the continent of Africa in 2025, Rwanda has been mentioned as a possible host. With the racing going on this week, we might get a sneak preview of what might be in 2025.

Here we go!
Sunday will be the start of @tour_du_Rwanda – the UCI 2.1 sanctioned race will serve up over 16000 meters of altitude covering 913.3 kilometres across 8 stages.

This tour is set for our climbers, send your good vibes to our team! @TSG_cyclingteam #leveluptsg pic.twitter.com/kGVIZwnfGH

— Sharon Jane Liau (@SharonjaneLiau) May 1, 2021

10 AM in Rwanda…

after an hour of training, James Piccoli is challenged by a local.

Omer Lahav is fan of the underdog, and supports him all the way!

One more day till the Tour du Rwanda!#YallaISN #TdRwanda2021 #RacingForChange @hammerheadrides. pic.twitter.com/521SIBdZJQ

— Israel Start-Up Nation / Israel Cycling Academy (@TeamIsraelSUN) May 1, 2021

Want to feel old, the leader of the Tour du Rwanda was born in 2002, I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of Colombian Santiago Umba in the next few years! https://t.co/3BbUWHH7zj

— spokeydokey (@spokedoke) May 3, 2021

JUST IN: Colombian rider Brayan Steven Sanchez Vergara wins Stage 1 of the Tour du #Rwanda.

Seth Hakizimana, featuring for local side SACA, was Rwanda’s top performer in 14th position. #TdRwanda2021 pic.twitter.com/sPIlc79EBP

— The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) May 2, 2021

Fantastic win for Alan Boileau today in @tour_du_Rwanda stage 2. Looks like he soloed clear of an elite group of about 30 riders to nick it. Santiago Umba of Androni takes the overall lead. Only two Rwandans in that lead group, S. Mugisha and Byiza Uhiriwe .#TdRwanda2021 https://t.co/U89yNv3BIk

— tom owen (@tomowencc) May 3, 2021

The Giro

It’s official: it’s a wide open race this year and we’re hoping it will be right up to the penultimate day. The start lists are starting to come through … here’s what we know so far.

‍Here are the promising young riders that will be battling each other for the Maglia Bianca at the 2021 #Giro d’Italia!Who do you think will be the favourite? Follow the live race on our site to find out who will win the best young rider's jersey! pic.twitter.com/Zk9ZKEmt2H

— Giro d'Italia (@giroditalia) May 3, 2021

Can’t wait for to be back at the corsa rosa for another time with these guys #Giro104 https://t.co/Mv5cOKWoLF

— Mikkel F. Honoré (@MikkelHonore) May 3, 2021

#Giro

"I hope I can have clear run and a good go at fighting for the win." – @SimonYatess

Our team:

@michael_hepburn
@JensenJuul
Tanel Kangert
@cammeyercyclist
@NieveMikel
@nick_schultz5
@CallumScotson
@SimonYatess
⁰
https://t.co/lLzdRK0YMZ pic.twitter.com/Tlmh14V6pD

— Team BikeExchange (@GreenEDGEteam) May 3, 2021

Especially for Luke

Hugh Carthy is hoping to hit the big time at the Giro d'Italia this year.

Whether he manages it or not, the Brit won't be letting success go to his head:

“I don’t get carried away going to local events and opening supermarkets, cutting ribbons."https://t.co/mXLEoaRzie

— VeloNews (@velonews) May 3, 2021

>side eyes<

ENTRIES OPEN
Tom Pidcock Gran Fondo by @struggleevents august 1st Ilkley, Yorkshire. 50km, 110km, 180km
JOIN UP BELOW https://t.co/peB8EPVctR pic.twitter.com/vkQ6Rwcnld

— Tom Pidcock (@Tompid) April 30, 2021

Especially for Midge

Some facts and figures about us & the @giroditalia

5 riders will debut on the Giro
4 will start their first Grand Tour
We have 8 warriors ready for battle

Marie Pirard Illustration

Preview https://t.co/RX2tEE2mGg pic.twitter.com/81CmeOVjLx

— Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert (@IntermarcheWG) May 3, 2021

Giro News: Dan Martin Leads Israel Startup Nation

Dan Martin leads Israel Startup Nation team in 2021 Giro d'Italia: “The Giro is a race of constant challenges: it throws something different at you every day". Stage winner Alex Dowsett also selected …https://t.co/cz1Eehmsqc pic.twitter.com/LZJYMnXjlO

— VeloUK Cycling Mag (@AussieLarry) May 3, 2021

As any musician knows, living up to the hype of your first big hit can be tough. That's what Jai Hindley's trying to do this May when he returns to the Giro d'Italia. #Giro104 https://t.co/AK6dyTYIJZ

— Sadhbh O'Shea (@SadhbhOS) May 3, 2021

GIRO NEWS: Marc Soler, who won a stage at the recent Tour de Romandie, leads Movistar's GC challenge in Giro d'Italia — Squad is Marc Soler, Matteo Jorgenson, Einer Rubio, Nelson Oliveira, Dario Cataldo, Albert Torres, Davide Villella and Antonio Pedrero. pic.twitter.com/hJBV0pphPW

— British Cycle Sport (@VeloUK) May 3, 2021

Bahrain Victorious 'all-in' for Mikel Landa at Giro d'Italia https://t.co/yR8vboCQVo pic.twitter.com/frTwLzE22D

— Cycle Sport (@CycleSportMag) May 3, 2021

The Gruppetto

And one of the Village People.

— Michael Hutchinson (@Doctor_Hutch) April 30, 2021

When Peter was a pup

Sagan returns to win in Tour de Romandie after 11 years https://t.co/pHhQagE3S9 pic.twitter.com/33jb5QlVgM

— Cycle Sport (@CycleSportMag) April 28, 2021

In case you or someone you know can help out.

Are you interested in refurbishing bikes for a good cause?

We are currently looking for mechanics & technicians in a variety of roles both in London and the West Midlands.

Interested? Visit our jobs page https://t.co/O7wiIwl3Sz pic.twitter.com/XCUPtDcZdi

— The Bike Project (@The_BikeProject) April 30, 2021

The last word

Do not go gentle
into that good night.
Rage, rage against
the dying of the light. pic.twitter.com/QOd51WECEb

— Mark Pahlow (@mcpheeceo) May 1, 2021

We are packed, PACKED with Giro goodness, plus farm-track fun with Tro-Bro Leon. We have GC intermediate sprints! We have cats predicting stage wins! We have Caleb Ewan controversy! We have otters with pockets! We have sockless commentators!! And so much more …

When you’ve got time on your hands during the race

This is, apparently, Gannazilla …

It's…it's beautiful

— Will Newton (@InsidePeloton96) May 16, 2021

There’s surely a Seinfeld gif for every stage …

George! #CouchPeloton #Giro pic.twitter.com/UkrZsvLNHC

— Belinda (@reallyspoketome) May 16, 2021

Stage 7 and Stage 8 – two extremes in gif form. (Belinda’s gif game is really quite spectacular)

STAGE 8. Bike racing lol. 2/2#Giro #CouchPeloton pic.twitter.com/8WkxT8qKdC

— Belinda (@reallyspoketome) May 15, 2021

There were a few deluges during the stages last week …

Proper apparel for today's Giro d'Italia stage #Giro2021 pic.twitter.com/1gW68fSjCh

— VeloNews (@velonews) May 13, 2021

Otters have pockets?!

— (((Lukas Knöfler))) (@lukascph) May 13, 2021

Stage 10’s winner – it was Peter Sagan, of course. The cat wins!

For the #Giro stage tomorrow, I'll let my cat do the prediction. It can't do any worse than me so far this Giro, and she is 2/2 predicting the Super Bowl.

I have a feeling she'll make it 3/3, since I would've picked someone else pic.twitter.com/WeMsbM7PT7

— Peter G. Lindegren (@Velocipeden) May 16, 2021

Abandoned!

Caleb Ewan climbed into the team car halfway through stage 9. There was speculation as to why that day, as he was wearing the maglia ciclamino, until he showed his swollen knee. But then it erupted with Eddy and Alex Merckx talkin’ all big and bad in the papers. Why?

Breaking: Caleb Ewan becomes first ever rider to abandon a Grand Tour

— Just Pro Cycling (@justprocycling) May 17, 2021

Just a short message on my departure from the giro pic.twitter.com/AwSR8AAN01

— Caleb Ewan (@CalebEwan) May 17, 2021

I’m bewildered as to how this is even a discussion. Ewan stated he wasn’t going to ride the whole race, the team knew it, the race organisers will have known it, and @AdamBlythe89 saw the size of his knee yesterday. Retiring earlier than planned, but the plan was always there.

— Orla Chennaoui (@SportsOrla) May 17, 2021

Will Tim Merlier face the Merckx wrath?

Expecting Eddy Merckx's rant at Tim Merlier withdrawing in 3…2…1…oh#Giro

— Dan Deakins (@DanDeakins) May 18, 2021

Disgrace to the Giro! Shame! Shame! https://t.co/Qd5UOIiZxM

— Freddie Shires (@fshires) May 18, 2021

Stars in the ascendent

The riders who made their mark this week

Hashtag team Giulio https://t.co/wEyuTxpbBm

— Journal Velo (@JournalVelo) May 16, 2021

Stage 8 winner – Victor Lafay brings it home for Cofidis

No way I'm selling this kid a can of beer. pic.twitter.com/GsLUU4uPKX

— Peter Flax (@Pflax1) May 15, 2021

Attila in pink – for awhile.

Report, Result, Reactions: Giro d'Italia Stage 6

Gino Mader Stage Winner "being on the top step is, like, it’s super nice”

Attila Valter Pink Jersey " On the last climb, I couldn’t think about the pain, I only had the pink jersey in mind."https://t.co/zFz7mi2fmi pic.twitter.com/9pcpB4xCMv

— VeloUK Cycling Mag (@AussieLarry) May 13, 2021

No dreams crushed here … Gino Mader had no one behind him!

It sure is

— Gino Mäder (@maedergino) May 13, 2021

We are quickly becoming huge Gino Mader fans! Sense of humour, engaging with fans – love it!

Hey Belinda

How did you find that footage of me? I thought that was shot for internal use only

Actually just really happy that I made it to the first rest day. Recover hard and let’s see what the Giro still has to offer! #ginogoesgiro

— Gino Mäder (@maedergino) May 18, 2021

Bernal v Evenepoel … ready to rumble! Bernal, in the maglia rosa, and Evenepoel went for a few seconds.

Non-cycling people will just watch this and see men riding their bikes.

Cycling people will watch this and see an epic battle for the tiniest yet most significant (visually at least) of margins in a three week bike race where anything can happen. #Giro pic.twitter.com/0Ea2Qnps99

— Issie (@IssieAtch) May 17, 2021

Maybe the maddest intermediate sprint I've ever seen. Remco gained one second on Egan. These kids are crazy. #Giro pic.twitter.com/XJyMv4pVFX

— Mihai Simion (@faustocoppi60) May 17, 2021

I AM SHOCKED and DELIGHTED IN ALL CAPS

— midge (@pariswheels) May 17, 2021

Evenepoel vs. Bernal has been the best sprint of this giro so far #Giro pic.twitter.com/z2hO6lzquR

— Cycling Memes (@Cycling_Memes1) May 17, 2021

King Kelly has been unbelievably entertaining – and not mincing his words – during this Giro. And long may it continue … hopefully with Adam Blythe there as well.

He's particularly feisty, that's for sure!

— VeloVoices (@VeloVoices) May 13, 2021

This has nothing to do with the Giro but it was my favourite victory of the week

How humble is @AndreGreipel ?

When we just asked him about victory number 157, he was, first and foremost, praising his teammates.

“I am super proud of the team “! #ChallengeMallorca #YallaISN pic.twitter.com/uNW4Ph8P3Z

— Israel Start-Up Nation / Israel Cycling Academy (@TeamIsraelSUN) May 16, 2021

Dreams crushed!

Spoke to a disappointed Jai Hindley today – about how his Giro’s gone & will go from here. Says he’s done a number of Covid tests, all negative, but that ‘something’s not right…maybe it’s a cold or regular flu.’ Still committed to helping Romain Bardet as much as possible.

— Daniel Friebe (@friebos) May 17, 2021

Marc Soler is never going to be able to slip away …

Lol at Marc Soler trying to sneak into the break and Ganna shutting it down like Thanos clicking his fingers

— Dr Headgear (@DrHeadgear) May 15, 2021

Fernando Gaviria wanted to stir things up. He did, but not the way he wanted.

Attacking the breakaway then crashing into a wall before getting pushed back into the leading group by the doctor's car and THEN winning the stage? Ultimate GITBH https://t.co/kOARJKjiwL

— tom owen (@tomowencc) May 15, 2021

Just tuned into Giro and first thing I see is a bloody Gaviria pic.twitter.com/oj0aW93FcS

— Laticia Waclawik (@sdbeachgirl9) May 15, 2021

I'll be telling my future kids this is a picture of a victorious Gaviria, winning a mountain stage in the Apennines at the 2021 Giro d'Italia.

And none of you can stop me.#Giro104 https://t.co/KZgq0EWdgn pic.twitter.com/X141iNJpVz

— Will Newton (@InsidePeloton96) May 15, 2021

For about £10.

Your dignity

— Tim de Vries (@TimFietst) May 14, 2021

Tro-Bro Leon

Need I say more?

#TroBroLeon

Kenavo l'Enfer de l'Ouest

@MathildeLAzou pic.twitter.com/tW1kzDhUnd

— Team Cofidis (@TeamCOFIDIS) May 16, 2021

Really weird that they don’t air drop Wout into Tro Bro.

— nyvelocity (@nyvelocity) May 16, 2021

WAIT OMG there are giant inflatable pigs…take that Giro

— midge (@pariswheels) May 16, 2021

pic.twitter.com/Oluw3aZ1Kr

— Journal Velo (@JournalVelo) May 16, 2021

As soon as Connor Swift sat up, Twitter was abuzz with … ‘did he just do an Alaphilippe?’ Looked pretty close – have they not learned!?!

I am still so happy about this win… What a finale https://t.co/7aEjsbYRRi

— midge (@pariswheels) May 16, 2021

Swift just Aliphiliped that finish! #TroBroLeon

— Joe (@JoeFultano) May 16, 2021

pic.twitter.com/KrquLQxX3T

— connie (@mewmewmew13) May 16, 2021

Yes @SwiftConnor

Next time please don't stress us out like that #TroBroLeon pic.twitter.com/M7xkHYkuIM

— CORSO (@CORSOsports) May 16, 2021

Pure emotion ! #TroBroLeon pic.twitter.com/KEq99d3Rew

— Team Arkéa Samsic (@Arkea_Samsic) May 16, 2021

@pariswheels Did you see this? #oink https://t.co/BZVI5nPh0c

— (((Lukas Knöfler))) (@lukascph) May 17, 2021

I always thought the pig went to the winner. https://t.co/ToqkTBJCnr

— nyvelocity (@nyvelocity) May 16, 2021

I was coming for a better result today at @trobroleon but it was really fun to race on these roads and I have to say ‘a big thank you’ to the Breton fans for their amazing support!⁰⁰#EnferdelOuest#TroBroLeon
Norman Baert pic.twitter.com/68IRcI80JW

— Philippe Gilbert (@PhilippeGilbert) May 16, 2021

Secret socks

What is it with cycling fans and socks? (I find the jeggings much more disturbing than the ‘no socks’ fashion). Orla takes it all in her stride.

Mercy, those gray jeggings. Make them stop pic.twitter.com/4Sz2hx4ZdH

— VeloVoices (@VeloVoices) May 15, 2021

I feel for Orla. I trust Adam to have some dinky socks but Wiggins….

— Journal Velo (@JournalVelo) May 15, 2021

Lack of socks has been an issue today.

— Journal Velo (@JournalVelo) May 15, 2021

No stopping @SportsOrla on The @SirWiggo Show by Eurosport

Talking today’s stage of the #giroditalia, that gave us everything it promised, and much more

Live tomorrow, wherever you pod pic.twitter.com/PU695PkPM9

— Graham Willgoss (@GrahamWillgoss) May 16, 2021

Let’s ask today’s burning question. While I podcast shortly should I wear…..

— John Galloway (@VelocastJohn) May 15, 2021

We have socks, people. We have SOCKS. @daniellloyd1 and @BriSmithy bringing all the ankle fabric to the sofa today. On @Eurosport_UK @gcntweet now! pic.twitter.com/E0pLFFhvGJ

— Orla Chennaoui (@SportsOrla) May 17, 2021

I don’t know if Twitter is ready for this spotty sock/glitter thread combo @daniellloyd1 pic.twitter.com/dHULzXOgdO

— Orla Chennaoui (@SportsOrla) May 17, 2021

I, for one, am never upset about Orla’s wardrobe choice. Only Brad’s.

When you wake to ‘upset’ about your outfit choice and accelerate plans to go full ballroom… pic.twitter.com/tuAljOdOSD

— Orla Chennaoui (@SportsOrla) May 17, 2021

I wonder if this guy is wearing socks …

Haa! @cyclingmole. Love it.#CouchPeloton artist, @musettedutour delivers both halves of @AmandaSpratt's farther-miniaturised, autographed jersey to @cmallet.#CyclingGame21 #SBSGiro https://t.co/OpGmMQBMEw

— jonowee (@jonowee) May 15, 2021

The last word

look around you afresh

— Moby Dick (@MobyDickatSea) May 16, 2021

It was an eventful week in the Giro d’Italia – so many amazing stages (for all sorts of reasons) and so many fantastic tweets. So this is going to be the Tweets of the Week equivalent of a peloton spread all over the Gaiu – glimpses of riders here and there, pictures without context, and all jumbled up. We have That Boy Bennett, Ganna Love Corner, rain cape mastery, and The Musette of Courage to name but a few! Enjoy the chaos! 

One arm at a time

Oh, those pesky rain jackets. I’m still haunted by Jai Hindley’s slo-mo wrestle with his raincape in last year’s Giro, nearly riding into the side of the mountain. And this weekend was no different! All the terror came rushing back.

I think we can safely say Egan is Mr Pink?

Did anyone else catch this moment yesterday when the front of the peloton all sat up simultaneously and put their rain jackets on? I just loved it, thought it had a latter day Reservoir Dogs kind of feel to it. Too cool #Giro pic.twitter.com/EmBUn9j5wS

— Katy M, Bike Edition (@writebikerepeat) May 21, 2021

Everyone knows a non-pro who has done this and ended up with a broken collarbone when the sleeve tangles up in the wheel. Tucking up under the jersey and showing off the Magia Rosa after a soaking freezing mountain stage Super Pro #Giro https://t.co/I3VDy6MbNn

— Jill Greco Bodnar (@LaJillita) May 24, 2021

Forget the stage win, if the confidence Bernal had in taking off that rain jacket, in those conditions, and placing it so neatly in his back pocket doesn’t say ‘I’ve got this’ then I don’t know what does. #Giro104

— Sophie Smith (@SophieSmith86) May 24, 2021

https://t.co/1CCR8MRKZg

— Luke (@LukeTheCycliste) May 24, 2021

@giroditalia

A jacket in the wheel forced @ale_vlasov to stop and loose time on Passo Giau. Helped by @MatteoSobrero and then Gorka Izagirre our leader tried to come back to the GC group, but finished 7th. After this stage Vlasov is still 4th in the GC#Giro

@GettySport pic.twitter.com/YWrjoeLZVs

— Astana – Premier Tech (@AstanaPremTech) May 24, 2021

Oh Ganna!

It’s the love corner for the beast they call Filippo Ganna 

@INEOSGrenadiers rider Filippo Ganna leads the dusty descent at full-gas #Giro pic.twitter.com/lUH6zVBmZM

— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) May 19, 2021

Oh! When people were speaking about a #Giro train I just presumed they meant Filippo Ganna… not an actual train.

— Issie (@IssieAtch) May 22, 2021

The bookworm specs, the bouquet of flowers, the strange giant babyseat … this gets pinned up on the WVA/JakeTapper/FilippoGanna tripych that I have been constructing.

@GannaFilippo pic.twitter.com/ZffdA7R2Rr

— Egan Arley Bernal (@Eganbernal) May 20, 2021

my unseemly crush on filippo ganna

— sam (@steampie) May 24, 2021

Despite any feelings I may have about INEOS, I have to say I do enjoy the Filippo Ganna, Peloton Boss role that's been established, it very much suits him #Giro104

— Katy M, Bike Edition (@writebikerepeat) May 22, 2021

Here's my reaction piece to yesterday's Giro stage, which asks why Renaissance artists never did landscape paintings and isn't just about Filippo Ganna.https://t.co/rqcmasjwwz

— Edward Pickering (@EdwardPickering) May 20, 2021

That Boy Bennett

George Bennett has been uppermost in a lot of fans minds over the past week – often for very different things.

First, his shopping

Rest day game: What has George filled his shopping musette with?

— Luke (@LukeTheCycliste) May 25, 2021

I see you’ve gone for the big stuff right off the bat. I was going to say a pair of glasses that sit evenly

— Luke (@LukeTheCycliste) May 25, 2021

This is why we love cycling.

Bennett rides back down the Zoncolan after he finished to ride back up with domestique extraordinaire, Affini.

What a picture

Credit: @jeredgruber #Giro pic.twitter.com/Uc68hyaXJz

— Dan Deakins (@DanDeakins) May 23, 2021

A lovely story of camaraderie from the Monte Zoncolan stage of the #Giro: https://t.co/ZtldyqzQck

— CyclingTips (@cyclingtips) May 24, 2021

Somebody commented on the Bennett/Affini photo (in Dutch) with "Jumbo are a Wolfpack without a hashtag".

I like that. It's a subtle dig and little bit cynical.

— Dan Deakins (@DanDeakins) May 23, 2021

Looks like George Bennett on the attack. #Giro pic.twitter.com/D4qp5AbWHd

— Michael Hutchinson (@Doctor_Hutch) May 24, 2021

Executive decision: my report on today's stage will be a fictional account based on what I wish was actually happening. No-one will know any different, and (spoiler alert) George Bennett will actually win a stage. It's going to be epic #Giro

— Katy M, Bike Edition (@writebikerepeat) May 24, 2021

All about the Bennett / Brambilla breakaway bout last week.

George Bennett being the most chilled out dude ever but the ONE TIME he isn’t it costs him the stage

— the george bennett fanclub (@jeanine______) May 20, 2021

Gianluca Brambilla and George Bennett with 3km to go. pic.twitter.com/08BVMeTp0i

— Peter Flax (@Pflax1) May 20, 2021

"Just ask George Bennett how to lose the race."

#sbsgiro #couchpeloton #Giro https://t.co/UqVjiPRuZm

— CyclingCentral (@CyclingCentral) May 20, 2021

Evergreen tweet

We would tremendously enjoy a George Bennett win today.

— nyvelocity (@nyvelocity) May 20, 2021

In the mists of the stage

With patchy 4G pictures that instinctively cut out when there was some real action on Stage 16, we all had to imagine what was going on, while constructing pithy tweets.

By the time Simon Yates finished 6G pictures will be available.

— Journal Velo (@JournalVelo) May 24, 2021

I'll do it on stage 20 if needed

— CycleSystemsAcademy (@CycleSystemsAc) May 24, 2021

Bernal so strong he's even dropped the race coverage.

— Brett Wallis (@mbwallis) May 24, 2021

I'm disappointed they hadn't planned ahead and were ready enact the stage with papermache models based on the timing updates.

— john (@el_snoop) May 24, 2021

Egan Bernal wins stage 16 of #Giro104 by passing the finishline as first in Cortina d'Ampezzo! pic.twitter.com/iraJert0dx

— Bas Tietema (@BasTietema) May 24, 2021

Still has to be longer than a Nairo Quintana turn.

— Katy M, Bike Edition (@writebikerepeat) May 24, 2021

The King Kelly Story Hours got a little Last Tango in Paris …

“My directeur handed me a wedge of butter…”

— Luke (@LukeTheCycliste) May 24, 2021

Sean Kelly's commentary is admirably unaffected by the total absence of information or pictures. #Giro104

— Michael Hutchinson (@Doctor_Hutch) May 24, 2021

If you're wondering what it might look like for Egan Bernal to descend in this dreadful weather, here's Fuente doing the same back in 1974 with a stunning sound track… https://t.co/m2dy0ihkpC

— Rich Mitch (@rich_mitch) May 24, 2021

Coverage of today's giro stage will be brought to you mainly by rumour. #Giro104

— Michael Hutchinson (@Doctor_Hutch) May 24, 2021

He's about to take the win, but Primoz Roglic enters just metres from the finish line and takes the stage and the maglia rosa.

— Sadhbh O'Shea (@SadhbhOS) May 24, 2021

Jens Voigt on Eurosport talking about riding in the cold: And so you bite your teeth together to try to stop them chattering madly and then you can't breathe properly. Ouch.

— Peter Warne (@pzwarne) May 24, 2021

Imagine Remco is first one to come into shot when the riders come into the finish… Belgium simply collapses as a country.

— tom owen (@tomowencc) May 24, 2021

Given the current conditions I propose stopping the race now and a quick game of rock, paper, scissors to decide the stage winner.

— David Hunter (@cyclingmole) May 24, 2021

pic.twitter.com/tjYwfxe9ce

— Belinda (@reallyspoketome) May 24, 2021

Me: I might take some annual leave, finally be able to watch some live cycling coverage properly mid-week

RAI: wouldn't it be funny if you… couldn't, tho? #GIRO

— Issie (@IssieAtch) May 24, 2021

EF were very bullish at the start, even about prospect of riding original stage route. But they also lost my support when they admitted to listening to Katy Perry on the bus this morning…

— Daniel Friebe (@friebos) May 24, 2021

From Giro, with love. #Giro pic.twitter.com/T3xKCXmRGm

— Giro d'Italia (@giroditalia) May 24, 2021

The Gruppetto

Stats and rants and Remco on a mattress

Rigoberto Urán is the even more surprising modern one – two time-runner up at the Giro, second at the Tour as well

— Andy McGrath (@Andymcgra) May 24, 2021

Find something you love as much as Bernal loves ransacking a Grand Tour in shit weather with no tv on a shortened stage. #Giro104

— CyclingTips (@cyclingtips) May 24, 2021

#Giro

With racing underway on stage 16, we caught up with stage 15 winner – @VCampenaerts – ahead of the start.

"Get much sleep, Victor?" #BicyclesChangeLives pic.twitter.com/1d5MHRpKGe

— Team Qhubeka ASSOS (@QhubekaAssos) May 24, 2021

This is all that I’ll be doing from now until Wednesday morning @latexconv #mattresses #goodnight #Giro #restday

Photo: @BeelWout pic.twitter.com/7bYeMTBP3I

— Remco Evenepoel (@EvenepoelRemco) May 24, 2021

Pain faces

The face Albert Torres was making up that climb is the same one I make getting out of bed in the morning. pic.twitter.com/doNxlQwnPN

— Colin Lynch (@FormerTTchamp) May 23, 2021

Lorenzo Fortunato had a great day on Saturday…

…it could have been horrendous!

Watch

— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) May 22, 2021

says it all #Zoncolan pic.twitter.com/hArbH7fclj

— VeloVoices (@VeloVoices) May 22, 2021

Great finish AND an early night! Well done Fortunato. Thanks again Zoncolan. You never disappoint. #couchpeloton pic.twitter.com/McQPfVk0fk

— Perthgirl/StressKnitter (@perth_girl) May 22, 2021

Helicopters were grounded on Stage 16 so TV transmission was significantly hampered. Much wailing and gnashing of teeth from fans but it was the ones who seemed to know what was safe and what wasn’t, why this should be or how to fix it, why it wasn’t dangerous, etc. Obviously there are a lot of very skilled helicopter pilots who have had experience flying in low-visibility in the Dolomites. On their sofas.

With a sideline of tv outside broadcast engineers?

— Journal Velo (@JournalVelo) May 24, 2021

Imagine having all those qualifications and still have time to tweet all day about cycling

— Journal Velo (@JournalVelo) May 24, 2021

My favourite part of The Last Dance was the 50 times Michael Jordan said ‘… and I took that personally’ about various players/coaches/scenarios so this really tickled me.

https://t.co/XyBEaYptIS pic.twitter.com/LM2f5uYGj0

— Trek-Segafredo (@TrekSegafredo) May 22, 2021

getting in shape for my italy trip pic.twitter.com/qnfiIjVNus

— giabuchi lastrassi (@jaboukie) May 23, 2021

#Giro

After an incredible 2 weeks, all of our riders are safely home.

A long bus transfer ahead so they've definitely earned a little treat.

As we say: "it's for the morale!"#BicyclesChangeLives pic.twitter.com/dPWwN1gb3O

— Team Qhubeka ASSOS (@QhubekaAssos) May 24, 2021

The last word

Doubts of all things earthly, and intuitions of some things heavenly; this combination makes neither believer nor infidel

— Moby Dick (@MobyDickatSea) May 25, 2021

The 2021 Giro d’Italia has ended. Egan Bernal took home the maglia rosa and the Twittersphere ended that tough third week with a blistering stretch of tweets. No one was left behind!

Ganna 4ever

It might have been a closer run thing than we expected (12sec to Remi Cavagna) but Ganna did what Ganna does and won stage 21 to bookend another successful Giro.

Calm under pressure in @INEOSGrenadiers car for the Filippo Ganna bike change. #Giro #sbscycling #couchpeloton pic.twitter.com/rVeIqxauK5

— Matthew Keenan (@mwkeenan) May 30, 2021

Just catching up on TT.. Ganna should've ridden it in on the rim. Sparks, rubber, carbon exploding everywhere. Bike bucking all over the place. Leg out speedway style round the corners. And then still won by the skinsuit of his pants. Any true swashbuckling Grenadier would've..

— Big ring, bridge pup (@140CharTerror) May 31, 2021

Ineos car trying to follow Ganna through the streets of Milan right now…. pic.twitter.com/TjmSiAzR6l

— Cycling_Eve (@CyclingEve) May 30, 2021

Ganna stopped at a service station, visited the local museum, had a coffee, rebuilt his bike from scratch, restarted and won the stage#Giro

— F Λ B R I Z I O (@fabrizioviani) May 30, 2021

Breaking: Live shot of Fillipo Ganna and a few mates at Intermediary 2 #SBSCycling #couchpeloton pic.twitter.com/hsGPFw8BTp

— Ms Trickles-Downe (@RCresearch2) May 30, 2021

If Ganna was riding the ITT on a city bike with his dog in a basket whilst wearing a heavy winter coat, how much time would he still win by?#CouchPeloton #Giro

— Belinda (@reallyspoketome) May 30, 2021

The last time a Giro d'Italia time trial wasn't won by Filippo Ganna (Stage 21, 2019):

Remco Evenepoel hadn't won a professional bike race

Tadej Pogačar hadn't raced a Grand Tour

Wout van Aert hadn't won a WorldTour race

: @therussellellis pic.twitter.com/VrfiRAHZlj

— The Road Book (@CyclingAlmanack) May 30, 2021

Let’s just cut to the chase : put some Barry White on your headphones and feel the Ganna love

Ganna seems impossibly nice! pic.twitter.com/a7BnsYa0dg

— John Galloway (@VelocastJohn) May 30, 2021

Need i say more pic.twitter.com/PkYpedd82n

— Issie (@IssieAtch) May 29, 2021

This is brilliant from @IainTreloar!

Also, I think its safe to say, Mia's face is all of us when we see Filippo Ganna (aka Everyone's Favourite Pro Cyclist) #Giro https://t.co/lqIuFdGunb pic.twitter.com/lElWDNMe4V

— Issie (@IssieAtch) May 31, 2021

Un #bigmac per @GannaFilippo https://t.co/srnCFlQZxU

— bici.PRO (@biciPRO1) May 30, 2021

The champion

Prosecco all round

Long swig, thirsty work. pic.twitter.com/E4n933pni2

— daniel (@cyclingreporter) May 30, 2021

"It was special… an incredible feeling" @eganbernal is amost lost for words after winning the #giroditalia pic.twitter.com/rCrnpJm2DN

— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) May 30, 2021

pic.twitter.com/o29wjei59T

— Laticia Waclawik (@sdbeachgirl9) May 30, 2021

In fact, Egan Bernal and his girlfriend might have got to the Barry White playlist before we did. (No pictures necessary. Trust me.)

Not even 9a here in California, the mrs and I still working on our coffee, when we glanced up to see the tongue wrestling by those two.

— Zach (@beervinylbikes) May 30, 2021

Wife: "Um, what exactly are we watching? I thought you had the Giro on…"

— Zach (@beervinylbikes) May 30, 2021

Pizza time!

Pizza and beers all round!

@scarr_98 was one of 34 Grand Tour debutants at this year's @giroditalia.

Listen as he shares his thoughts on finishing the gruelling 21 stages with @EFprocycling on his first showing
________#Giro104 #Giro2021 #Giro pic.twitter.com/iVw3DXmZ1W

— Velon CC (@VelonCC) May 30, 2021

Pizza time pic.twitter.com/cw5jOr8p25

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) May 30, 2021

The #Giro finish – Milano style pic.twitter.com/KmO1o9PFE0

— Team DSM (@TeamDSM) May 30, 2021

Most memorable images I think I’ll take from this Giro:
1) Caruso back pat
2) Bernal jacket removal
3) Ganna signal S1
4) Cold Remco
5) Remco/Bernal sprint
6) Dani’s simmering visage. He’s a tiger.

Not my favorite GT, but enjoyable and that’s what I think I’ll remember.

— Always bet the break (@BreakAlways) May 29, 2021

Voici le dernier compte-rendu du @Giro 2021 :

Attila Valter : "Ça fait désormais partie de ma vie"
https://t.co/dX4UVF9xtn
https://t.co/aSYaOQ1WtQ pic.twitter.com/qNSaORV5sZ

— Équipe Cycliste Groupama-FDJ (@GroupamaFDJ) May 31, 2021

Talkin’ fast

‘It’s a Chris copter …’

BACKSTAGE PASS 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝟮𝟬

The boss calls in the boys gear up for the final road stage Chris misses out on a helicopter ride Yatesy feels the fatigue and Whitey and Macca need to work on their handshake!

Full Video https://t.co/QH0HteBiia #Giro pic.twitter.com/A10fScuwXj

— Team BikeExchange (@GreenEDGEteam) May 29, 2021

Often the most obvious answer is the correct one.

Because he’s too tired

— Tricky Hawes (@trickyhawes) May 29, 2021

A Martin montage

Incredible day and a nice little montage thanks to @SEGcycling Thankyou for all the messages and support. https://t.co/HBOP7eMLkO

— Dan Martin (@DanMartin86) May 27, 2021

It just takes that one guy to help change the race for another guy (or a couple other guys)

Find someone who pats you on the back like Damiano Caruso. https://t.co/r5Ln3FOyvg

— Daniel Friebe (@friebos) May 29, 2021

Yes, although Pello Bilbao has been immense also. Remember he got Caruso off the front today, and then made enough of a gap to give him a shot at the stage.

— Tricky Hawes (@trickyhawes) May 29, 2021

Every Giro stage looks like Martinez is getting a nicer Rolex from Bernal.

— Phil Gaimon (@philgaimon) May 28, 2021

Seems very typical of Landa's career to crash out early and one of his domestiques go on to outperform his best-ever Grand Tour performance.

— Freddie Shires (@fshires) May 29, 2021

wasn't it just. I'm delighted. EVERY DOMESTIQUE should get his chance to shine

— midge (@pariswheels) May 29, 2021

It was Team DSM with Romain Bardet who changed the script on Saturday.

DSM woke up and chose chaos #Giro

— Issie (@IssieAtch) May 29, 2021

Bardet hype train has left the station! Next stop – Alpe Motta.#Giro104 pic.twitter.com/0Io0qbIlbn

— Will Newton (@InsidePeloton96) May 29, 2021

They still love them some Bardet. https://t.co/F5b89ANkGX

— nyvelocity (@nyvelocity) May 29, 2021

The reward is "panache". https://t.co/LUH8XYcL8P

— nyvelocity (@nyvelocity) May 29, 2021

The Gruppetto

Meanwhile, back in France

Hard day at the office, boys? pic.twitter.com/xyghAITH2O

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) May 28, 2021

I’m sure we had one of these threads for Prince last year. But they’re always welcome. I suspect that anything EF throws at us in the way of kit change, Elton John could match it! He’s already got the duck helmet

Deceuninck QuackStep pic.twitter.com/q8I3q4dikW

— tom owen (@tomowencc) May 25, 2021

EF Eltucation First pic.twitter.com/LsZABFlLOw

— tom owen (@tomowencc) May 25, 2021

Owners who don’t read cycling press … or have no idea at all to what big cyclists ask for in contract negotiations

How did they not know this? https://t.co/hxFNwLASph

— Laticia Waclawik (@sdbeachgirl9) May 30, 2021

Honey, what’s happening, what’s going on, what’s *this* all about? Click on the picture for the full effect.

I've got to ask, have all his trousers shrunk in the wash, or is that the fashion?

— tucano (@tucano2) May 30, 2021

We have a saying in Latvia that when God came by to give people a brain, cyclists were out training. https://t.co/H2EuqweHH6

— Toms Skujiņš (@Tomashuuns) May 30, 2021

He’s going to run out teams pretty soon

Gazzetta: Rohan Dennis is leaving Ineos. UAE and Jumbo-Visma are interested in him. (spotted from @veloropa's tweet)https://t.co/ExuZBxonLG

— ammattipyöräily (@ammattipyoraily) May 30, 2021

The last word

What other marvels might have been rummaged out of this monstrous cabinet there is no telling.

— Moby Dick (@MobyDickatSea) May 30, 2021

Mopping up the best tweets from the past two weeks of racing and on our way into the 2021 Tour de France in a few weeks. We have baby news, retirement news, #FreeRichie, jersey cookies, and much much more. AND, we have our TOUR DE FRANCE WALLCHART CHALLENGE! Get in on it!

Welcome, Nino!

Congratulations, @Roussemarion and @alafpolak1, on the arrival of your baby boy Nino Alaphilippe
Wishing you all good health and happiness pic.twitter.com/OhmnPad0Jl

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) June 14, 2021

Congratulations Julian Alaphilippe and Marion Rousse Nino pic.twitter.com/KFaVu80kRY

— pro cycling trumps (@procycletrumps) June 14, 2021

It’s definitely human

Click on the walls of logos and you’ll actually see Remco teeny-tiny …

it's definitely human..

— maiki (@morrinhadomar) June 10, 2021

My, Big Tam has a way with words.

“Tom Dumoulin on riding a time trial: “It’s like holding your finger between the door for 45 minutes and slamming the door shut all the time.” This goes into  the books”

Tom Dumoulin over het rijden van een tijdrit:

“Het is alsof je drie kwartier je vinger tussen de deur houdt en de deur voortdurend dichtslaat.”

Deze gaat de boeken in

— Raymond Kerckhoffs (@raykerckhoffs) June 15, 2021

Retirement klaxon 

Time to say goodbye at the end of the year….what a great time and pleasure for all the years…. pic.twitter.com/uCjH8831Dw

— Marcel Sieberg (@MarcelSieberg) June 8, 2021

Mom motivation 

Please…I want to squish his cheekS

— midge (@pariswheels) June 5, 2021

Bidon delivery systems

The sweetest picture of the day … pic.twitter.com/LAlnRNHS5u

— VeloVoices (@VeloVoices) June 8, 2021

When the world-champ‘ plays bartender:@alafpolak @SamOomen @TolhoekAntwan @VelonCC @JumboVismaRoad @deceuninck_qst pic.twitter.com/kkLpsUUGZn

— Tour de Suisse (@tds) June 8, 2021

Tour de France Challenge

Forget the slick posters that come with all the special Tour de France mags out now, we’re interested in what fans make to keep track of the Tour. I have a working Tour wall planner to keep track of who’s writing what but Katy’s tweet has made me think that I need to up my game … I will be making a special, high-kickin’, highly personalised TdF wall chart this weekend. Post up yours and they go into the first Tour de France Tweets of the Week! Washi tape, glitter glue and star stickers AT THE READY

Just me, copying and pasting Tour de France route maps and stage profiles into a giant document that I plan to decorate my office walls with like some kind of criminal psychologist. I'm not alone, right?! #cyclingnerd #TourDeFrance

— Katy M, Bike Edition (@writebikerepeat) June 8, 2021

YES!!!! Unveil it on the first day of the Tour …

— VeloVoices (@VeloVoices) June 8, 2021

Oh fantastic I love this. I wish I was more artistic. Can't wait to see

— Katy M, Bike Edition (@writebikerepeat) June 8, 2021

Wallchart is still good, I used to be hugely into football and never got further than a wallchart so this just goes to show what a ridiculous obsessive I am

— Katy M, Bike Edition (@writebikerepeat) June 8, 2021

Cookies are also a good way of expressing your love for the Tour

Starting to think that jersey designers aren’t considering my #poorlyicedbiscuits (looking at you and your grey icing JV ). #CouchPeloton https://t.co/H53JDxGCIr

— Belinda (@reallyspoketome) June 14, 2021

Underdog charm

Richie Porte Corner … on Twitter that is. He hasn’t been given one yet at VeloVoices Towers.

@richie_porte, winner at 36 years and 127 days.
A race broadcasted in 190 countries.
26 broadcasts, 23 of which were live!

Thank you all for following the 73rd edition of the #Dauphiné! See you in 2022! pic.twitter.com/kt2bGBPYuU

— Critérium du Dauphiné (@dauphine) June 8, 2021

"I've got two kids under three at home…nothing's hard compared to that."
– @richie_porte

— FloBikes (@flobikes) June 7, 2021

That’s often the way

So all Richie Porte needed to do, to become one of the best riders in the world, was to stop worrying about trying to win the Tour de France? #Dauphiné pic.twitter.com/5hCBH0rUbF

— Neal Rogers (@nealrogers) June 6, 2021

dont jinx this. @CaleyFretz can advice you

— José Been (@TourDeJose) June 5, 2021

Shall we just start the #freerichie hashtag for Le Tour now.

— John Galloway (@VelocastJohn) June 5, 2021

He needs that underdog surprise factor …

— midge (@pariswheels) June 5, 2021

"I mean, Roglic and Pogacar can’t chase everything can they?" – Richie Porte on the depth of the Ineos squad for #TDF2021 https://t.co/04tBbtIoia

— CyclingTips (@cyclingtips) June 8, 2021

It’s fine thank you but please do not ask again.

— Belinda (@reallyspoketome) June 5, 2021

And yet you understood perfectly yes?

— Belinda (@reallyspoketome) June 5, 2021

The Gruppetto

Sprint between cyclists followed just a couple of meters behind by sprint between cars. 2 in 1. Crazy stuff. https://t.co/nHfK8q0Li3

— Mihai Simion (@faustocoppi60) June 9, 2021

You might have missed the presentation, but you can buy the book >takes credit card from wallet<

For all the Roglic fans who are interested: English book presentation Kilometer Zero from his partner tonight. Lora will tell about the book and there is room for questions Don't know what to ask though https://t.co/9VybRwduN9 pic.twitter.com/DY4c9zAY0H

— Debby (@Bieke82710908) June 10, 2021

Mathieu van der Poel deciding which discipline he wants to dominate this month pic.twitter.com/AKFJvC38Uc

— Cycling Memes (@Cycling_Memes1) June 7, 2021

Are we going to have a #FreeCav campaign as well, I wonder?

Second place for @MarkCavendish in #Elfstedenronde, won by Tim Merlier for a matter of centimeters.
Photo: @GettySport pic.twitter.com/YJx2WN7kmF

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) June 6, 2021

I sense a whole finish line camera saga looming.

— midge (@pariswheels) June 6, 2021

If a media partner cares to contact me, I’m willing to do Tweets of the Week for money …

Haha, Thanks. I think @velovoices Tweets of The Week have got that covered. #RookieRacingRecap is a 90% chance of returning though. #CouchPeloton

— Belinda (@reallyspoketome) June 6, 2021

The last word

To be a well-favor’d man is the gift of fortune

— William Shakespeare (@Wwm_Shakespeare) June 13, 2021

It’s the week of hype before the biggest bike race in the world. Let’s get right to it.

The sprint to the start

All the news was about sprinters this week. Let’s ease into this …

I think with the other fastest sprinter in the world Bennett out, Caleb has a chance for green. There's no clear number 2 sprinter..

— Hendrik Lemmer (@GrootLem) June 22, 2021

Caleb Ewan definitely does have a chance at the green jersey, but he’ll have to get through Peter Sagan who, although he might not be winning the sprints like he used to, knows how to win it without them. Should be an epic battle.

Peter Sagan and Wilco Kelderman will lead Bora-Hansgrohe's two-pronged attack at the Tour de France this summer. Kelderman will take up the GC challenge, while Sagan is aiming to win back the green jersey after he was beaten last year. #TDF2021https://t.co/cyVTErFwSJ

— VeloNews (@velonews) June 15, 2021

Mark Cavendish made the Tour team for DQS.

World Champion @alafpolak1, Ronde van Vlaanderen victor @k_asgreen and 30-time stage winner @MarkCavendish will all feature on Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s squad for the biggest race in the world – @LeTour. pic.twitter.com/H56OQ9l2rv

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) June 21, 2021

No. Words. Can. Describe. How. I. Feel.

I will do absolutely everything to honour #thewolfpack boys, the @deceuninck_qst jersey and the greatest race on the planet @LeTour.

Big boots to fill for @Sammmy_Be. Can everybody join me in sending him positive vibes please

— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) June 21, 2021

I imagine the press reports in the Isle of Man will be pretty similar to this. Mark Cavendish and seven Deceuninck-Quick-Step riders. https://t.co/pzeScG8wcV

— Sadhbh O'Shea (@SadhbhOS) June 21, 2021

Just remembering the storm of ridicule that rained on my head when I wrote this piece back in April. Nothing more https://t.co/G8xyZalXcU

— Orla Chennaoui (@SportsOrla) June 21, 2021

Meanwhile, over at DQS HQ, Patrick Lefevere was trashing Sam Bennett. His own rider.

Lefevere doubts severity of knee issue that kept Sam Bennett off Tour de France team – Deceuninck-Quickstep manager suggests Irishman suffers from 'fear of failure'https://t.co/IdPmxOnByp

— Cyclingnews.com (@Cyclingnewsfeed) June 22, 2021

@PatLefevere we can't say he's acted like a bully behind closed doors, but he was super quick to send Sam Bennett to the gutter… And yeah, through the press. #sam2022

— Bryan Hanton (@bryanhanton) June 21, 2021

Wouldn't surprise me that Bennett has some sort of anxiety after Lefevere discussed his 'mental weakness' in the media the other day. #TDF2021

He's becoming an expert at trashing his own riders in the media before grand tours – and then acts surprised if it backfires. https://t.co/0aQ2t6w0MU

— Benji Naesen (@BenjiNaesen) June 21, 2021

Sam Bennett: "I’m very disappointed to not be able to defend my green jersey. I had a very minor incident during training a couple of weeks ago, which affected my knee. It impacted my training for the biggest bike and without enough time to be race fit."

— José Been (@TourDeJose) June 21, 2021

The Gruppetto

If you’re interested in time cuts, Velofacts has all the … well, facts. Click on the tweet and there’s a handy thread of what it all means.

The #TDF2021 time limit calculatorhttps://t.co/rFe1ydXuTb

I've added a graph to visualize the time cut and added the giro rules for comparison. Stages are ranked in 5 levels from easy to extremely difficult + TT pic.twitter.com/hotMaSB51Y

— Velofacts (@velofacts) June 21, 2021

This could be fun!

A small first, this year Radio Tour will be broadcast online, the race radio from the official car that reports incidents etc in + https://t.co/eQ0rrGPQop We'll have to find out how it works, if there's no delay then it'll be faster than TV or Twitter

— the Inner Ring (@inrng) June 21, 2021

Ready to re-discover the Tour de France?

Join the Tour de France Club free!

Listen to Radio Tour
Vote for the @PrixAntargaz everyday
Watch exclusive videos
And more…

https://t.co/AqDOcH66Xg pic.twitter.com/x3U9QyywlF

— Tour de France (@LeTour) June 21, 2021

Love Qhubeka – hope they take the Giro spirit into the Tour and take those stage wins!

#ICYMI

Yesterday we revealed our 8 riders for @LeTour !

At a difficult time for the world, it’s our shared humanity that helps us believe.

Ubuntu – I am because we are

: https://t.co/2r5QuIOmUe#BicyclesChangeLives pic.twitter.com/tmXjiSyEi3

— Team Qhubeka ASSOS (@QhubekaAssos) June 19, 2021

I know this is an incredibly historical moment. It speaks to what @QhubekaAssos is about and what we’re trying to do as a team with the charity. This moment can serve us inspiration to show young people that don’t come from privilege backgrounds anything is possible
– N Muzik pic.twitter.com/f6FeKqKJYu

— Nicholas Dlamini (@nich_dlamini) June 18, 2021

Bring on Movistar The Documentary Part 3

Tour de France: Can Movistar's new-look trident avoid past shambles? There have been encouraging signs that López, Mas, and Valverde can form a slick cohesive unit #TDF2021https://t.co/00yETI6jqg

— Cyclingnews.com (@Cyclingnewsfeed) June 21, 2021

While Ineos has 50 leaders …

Reckon they're going for a 1-2-3-2 formation. https://t.co/Ar0Py4pAOq pic.twitter.com/Jy4b4BgZ0k

— Edward Pickering (@EdwardPickering) June 18, 2021

Just because

#BKWaregem

Did you have to make it so exciting again, Wout? #samenwinnen pic.twitter.com/Df6koLyCj2

— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) June 20, 2021

indeed it does https://t.co/Q5u5UnPDGB

— midge (@pariswheels) June 20, 2021

I wouldn’t want to be Remco with Lefevere in a bad mood …

He's so young! He has so so many more opportunities… I suppose he may be worries he'll end up like GVA as being another amazing rider not to win the NCs https://t.co/MZy9GxNyip

— Tim Bonville-Ginn (@TimBonvilleGinn) June 20, 2021

Double trouble!

TOMS!!!! @Tomashuuns has done the double – Latvian RR and TT champ – which means we’ll be seeing him back in this jersey soon pic.twitter.com/9aMVPymDYq

— Trek-Segafredo (@TrekSegafredo) June 20, 2021

Kevin Reza hangs up his wheels

Reza explains in great detail what influenced the decision.https://t.co/XDXR4Da3Aw

— ammattipyöräily (@ammattipyoraily) June 19, 2021

The last word

…there is no folly of the beast of the earth which is not infinitely outdone by the madness of men.

— Moby Dick (@MobyDickatSea) June 21, 2021

Tour de France 2021 just gets crazier and more chaotic as the stages go on. Looking through all the great photographs and videos that have been coming through the twitterstream (and insta!), I decided that this particular Tweets of the Week will be photography based. Some absolutely stunning shots in here – the pain, the joy, the tears, the confusion … Enjoy!

Make sure that you click on to the Instagrams as most of them are carousels of photographs.

A week in yellow

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Reunited and it feels so good …

#TDF2021

"Hey, is that you again?" pic.twitter.com/9cDiJgT2DU

— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) July 2, 2021

This sight never gets old. What a rivalry, what a pair of riders.#TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/JYt6PuW20v

— ITV Cycling (@itvcycling) July 2, 2021

When you've given everything…
Another day in Yellow for @mathieuvdpoel

Quand tu as tout donné…@mathieuvdpoel conserve son @MaillotjauneLCL #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/0gtMbpDybu

— Tour de France (@LeTour) July 2, 2021

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The resurgence of Cav

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Every Tour stage win is special, but this one is incredibly meaningful for @MarkCavendish! Share his emotion post victory.

Chaque victoire sur le Tour est spéciale, mais celle-ci l'est peut-être encore plus ! Partagez l'émotion de @MarkCavendish !#TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/OomcVhoolr

— Tour de France (@LeTour) June 29, 2021

"So many people didn't believe in me – and these guys do!"

A very emotional Mark Cavendish reflects on a stunning stage win at #TDF2021 – his 31st overall at the race. pic.twitter.com/79rL8Gu2jg

— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) June 29, 2021

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A post shared by Tour de France (@letourdefrance)

How can you not love these guys?#TDF2021 #TheWolfpack pic.twitter.com/hfg1XcwXn7

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) July 4, 2021

#TDF2021 rest day mood pic.twitter.com/Ml7t5f9oQ4

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) July 5, 2021

The looks, the hands, the jackets

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'The look' – 2021 edition #TDF2021 ( Getty) pic.twitter.com/5hrb565LtE

— Daniel Ostanek (@LVCKV) July 3, 2021

-Eagerly awaits Series 3 of The Least Expected Day-#TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/R5XX8MQaq2

— Cyclist (@cyclist) July 2, 2021

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Guys (sometimes) in cars shouting stuff

@LeTour

Roulons autrement

Ride differently #AG2RCITROËNTEAM #RoulonsAutrement pic.twitter.com/jdFOR42v9b

— AG2R CITROËN TEAM (@AG2RCITROENTEAM) July 4, 2021

@LeTour

C'est pour ces émotions que nous travaillons si fort.

That's why we work. Cycling, we love you. "Let's go for it". #AG2RCITROËNTEAM #RoulonsAutrement #RideDifferently #TDF2021 – © KBLB pic.twitter.com/PWee60m6FU

— AG2R CITROËN TEAM (@AG2RCITROENTEAM) July 4, 2021

Singin’ in the rain #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/f5V1zAQ9s2

— Bas Tietema (@BasTietema) July 3, 2021

When the legs don’t shut up

Looks like day over for the Belgian champion, Wout Van Aert.

Someone else will be 2nd on GC at the end of the day #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/WJ6TMYoT9Y

— ITV Cycling (@itvcycling) July 4, 2021

The joy of a Cav win was not a happy day for Brent van Moer – whose solo ride to glory was cut short by a bunch sprint.

Proud of you, @Brentvanmoer! #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/DhYyu5QV8L

— Lotto Soudal (@Lotto_Soudal) June 29, 2021

Nicholas Dlamini‘s first Tour de France ended sooner than he wanted, but he continued to ride even though he was well over an hour outside the time limit on Sunday.

#TDF2021

"This is a race that I wanted to honour, & honour my dream. It was my first Tour de France & I knew it would be hard, I am disappointed but at this point there’s not much I can do." – @nich_dlamini

:https://t.co/SDWC13Y0Yz#BicyclesChangeLives pic.twitter.com/hNOatQSZMH

— Team Qhubeka NextHash (@QhubekaAssos) July 4, 2021

The heartbreaking ‘did I make it?’ Another rider outside the time limit.

to see @StefandBd leaving @LeTour, a riders dream, after fighting so hard.

Stefan, you rode an amazing race and we know you will come back stronger!#TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/NtpC8OQ4ou

— Astana – Premier Tech (@AstanaPremTech) July 4, 2021

The biggest DNS of the Tour has been Primoz Roglic. Bruised and battered, riding off the back while everyone deserted him, he still had a smile on his face.

#TDF2021

Thank you for all the lovely and encouraging messages. #ifeelsLOVEnia pic.twitter.com/2TT06hSm8k

— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) July 4, 2021

Primoz Roglic saying to #TDF2021. And I quote: “I’ll be back stronger, see you next year guys!” pic.twitter.com/FIwLGejWlo

— Bas Tietema (@BasTietema) July 4, 2021

Expressions

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Can you tell it was a hard day in the saddle?

(Although it seems @harry_sweeny was still all smiles )

Facepeeters pic.twitter.com/mHBDrXonIo

— Lotto Soudal (@Lotto_Soudal) July 4, 2021

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The hairpins

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PIC OF THE DAY
by @century21fr #TDF2021
A.S.O / @charlylopezph pic.twitter.com/j36fMO1S8t

— Tour de France (@LeTour) July 4, 2021

"Just like that, a white phallus has metamorphosed into a jolly butterfly."

Eraser Men: censoring the roads of the Tour de Francehttps://t.co/sfZz1tHWzz pic.twitter.com/Ru9yE2aWZ0

— Rouleur (@rouleur) July 5, 2021

The last word

So we’ll live,
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh
At gilded butterflies

— William Shakespeare (@Wwm_Shakespeare) July 5, 2021

So much going on in the Tour de France Twittersphere over the past week. Mountains were climbed, stages were won, and records were equalled. It’s a mix of the heartfelt and irreverent, as always, in the one, the original, Tweets of the Week.

Let’s start with this:

Step into the riders' shoes and relive the 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 of the #TDF2021

Mettez-vous dans la peau des coureurs pour revivre cette 𝟐𝐞̀𝐦𝐞 𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 du #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/JUjbHAbgck

— Tour de France (@LeTour) July 12, 2021

Jumbo Bees gotta buzz

Jumbo-Visma had a subtle and cunning plan for Stage 15 (that worked), with three of the five riders left on the team up the road and their GC guy back in the yellow jersey group with the remaining teammate. They took the stage with Sepp, Wout took some pox points and got most combative, and Jonas moved back into third on GC (thanks, mainly, to Ineos’s subtle and cunning plan that might not have worked as they had wanted).

Our Stage 15 write-up is here (full of tweets too)

#TDF2021

"You're flying Sepp!" pic.twitter.com/Q8XWBzMd0m

— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) July 11, 2021

@OliverNaesen started it when he won nationals in Antwerp 2017…. His helmet went the same direction

— Joachim Schoonacker (@JSchoonacker) July 12, 2021

#TDF2021

"I knew I had extra's"
The team enjoying their second rest day in Andorra pic.twitter.com/XYa8W56p6w

— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) July 12, 2021

I lied earlier when I said I was done with making the Sepp gifs, here goes the bouncy rocket. #TDF2021 #TDF #couchpeloton pic.twitter.com/9SaaYQbgYj

— AnnaMac (@AnnamacB) July 11, 2021

When Sepp was a pup

Sepp Kuss circa 2005, already showing distinctive personal style. pic.twitter.com/3zQdq0Qc1n

— Peter Flax (@Pflax1) July 11, 2021

Jonas Vingegaard has been a bit of a dark horse – always with the yellow jersey groups but stealthily. Well, they’re paying attention to him now. He was the only one who looked like he could get the better of Pogacar on Ventoux.

Me turning on the TV and seeing that Pogacar got dropped by Vingegaard #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/3pZTUJRao8

— Cycling Memes (@Cycling_Memes1) July 7, 2021

Pogacar at Sportwereld: "I'm a bit tired and the last days I didn't sleep well, but after all I'm feeling pretty good. I went deep on Ventoux when Vingegaard attacked. It hit me hard, also due to the burning sun. I exploded a bit, but I felt good the other days."#TDF2021

— Domestique (@Cyclingvision) July 13, 2021

#TDF2021

Back in the top 3⃣ Jonas Vingegaard! pic.twitter.com/MEDJ6NI9zL

— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) July 11, 2021

When Jonas was a pup

Before turning pro Jonas Vingegaard used to work in a fish factory pic.twitter.com/W7JrdLr3wG

— the Inner Ring (@inrng) July 8, 2021

And of course, Ventoux was when Wout van Aert put on his zombie face and vanquished the mountain. And then evened his pedals and stood on them for his salute. The abs that man must have. Our stage 11 write-up is here.

A story in 4 pictures…

@WoutvanAert #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/ngd1APZKFp

— Tour de France (@LeTour) July 7, 2021

What a beast
A gifted rider and a great grafter.
No bullshitting and giving out about his rivals, or pointing out where they went wrong whenever he wins a race.
Wout van Aert = class act

By Pauline Ballet#TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/xwkT9L9lMU

— stickybottle.com (@sticky_bottle) July 7, 2021

He knows he's got it now @WoutvanAert #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/AbTQIj1ZZq

— ITV Cycling (@itvcycling) July 7, 2021

Wout van Aert: "I am speechless. I did not expect to win this stage at the beginning of this Tour. Yesterday I believed in it a bit more, we really wanted to be in the running today. It's the most iconic climb in the cycling world. It might be my best win ever." pic.twitter.com/B3XKnhSOZf

— British Cycle Sport (@VeloUK) July 7, 2021

#TDF2021

Who's happy?! pic.twitter.com/iN6YjD3IDc

— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) July 7, 2021

Got to love Wout van Aert celebrating with the fans after his Ventoux victory at the Tour de France
_________#TDF2021 #TourdeFrance pic.twitter.com/UtpEsvY6Zi

— Velon CC (@VelonCC) July 7, 2021

Only 2 riders have won a stage/race on mountain, flat and cobble profiles in the 3 last seasons:

Wout Van Aert
Julian Alaphilippe#cycling #cyclisme #TdF2021 pic.twitter.com/Vj3nJJnSuT

— Fuoriclasse (@DataCycling) July 7, 2021

When Wout was a pup

big badger fan pic.twitter.com/xVdCI0NJcw

— chad brown (@chdbrwn) July 7, 2021

Aside from genuinely laughing at this, then taking a brief moment to consider how his popularity would plummet if he beat Cav in Paris, my main takeaway here and in fact over the last 24 hours in general is how much I'd love to see Wout in the polka dots #TDF2021 https://t.co/TzRtFrPCA8

— Katy M, Bike Edition (@writebikerepeat) July 12, 2021

Vibe on the Jumbo Visma bus today. pic.twitter.com/jwTbDt1C24

— Peter Flax (@Pflax1) July 11, 2021

Showing some class

I always love it when riders show respect for each other and are gracious in defeat as well as victory. Here are some examples from week 2.

For the write-up of Nils Politt‘s stage 12 victory, go here.

“Did Nils win?? ”

First words from @AndreGreipel after crossing the line today. Afterwards, he immediately turned around to ride back to find Politt and congratulate him.

Success is temporary – class is forever #TDF2021

— Mikkel Condé v2.0 (@mrconde) July 8, 2021

Alejandro Valverde had tried to chase Sepp down the mountain to the finish on stage 15, but didn’t get there. This is what he said: Thank you all for the love and the messages! Today we tried it in a very tough stage and we stayed very close. @seppkuss it was better, so it’s time to congratulate him.

¡Gracias a todos por el cariño y los mensajes! Hoy lo intentamos en una etapa muy dura y nos quedamos muy cerca. @seppkuss fue mejor, así que toca felicitarle.

Ahora a disfrutar de la jornada de descanso y a afrontar la semana final de #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/4w9zzGJBqk

— alejandro valverde (@alejanvalverde) July 11, 2021

It was a hot hot day in Andorra, with roads melting and riders wilting. Sometimes you just need someone to pour water over your head.

Being the perfect teammate: a definition!

Etre un équipier modèle : illustration !

@Tim_Declercq.#TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/GJuakbPIwl

— Tour de France (@LeTour) July 11, 2021

I love this.

Backstage yesterday at the #TDF2021
Pogačar and Cavendish swapped jerseys. Listen to Mark what he had to say about it. Pure cuteness pic.twitter.com/UEBLBEWcip

— Roman Marolin (@RomanMarolin) July 10, 2021

I think it’s time for a sing-song, don’t you?

They sing for @GuilmMartin they just love him and the team!
The whole way up the climb they were shouting allez Guillem!!!!!!

— Nathan Haas (@NathanPeterHaas) July 11, 2021

So far … it’s tied

As this is written on a Tuesday, we don’t know if Mark Cavendish has surpassed Eddy Merckx with his 35th stage win, but I wouldn’t put it past him.

Perfect headline pic.twitter.com/WFOPYZlOT2

— Cillian Kelly (@irishpeloton) July 9, 2021

For our Stage 10 write-up, filled with even more tweets, go here; for Stage 13, go here.

Tense?! I could hardly breath

— Paul Treloar (@PaulieTandoori) July 9, 2021

Now that’s how you use your platform. You say stuff out loud.

Too tired to know how he feels but remembers the Femmes. Niiiiiiiiiiiice. https://t.co/b5hJOhePAZ

— Katy Moon (@Oog) July 9, 2021

It's official! pic.twitter.com/UzffL9Raie

— Chris Sidwells (@ChrisSidwells) July 9, 2021

A delightful moment between @SirWiggo and @MarkCavendish #tdf2021 pic.twitter.com/talKFc4DOf

— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) July 10, 2021

Translation:
Most victories by nation in the TdF, since the 2008 edition

40 – France
36 – Germany
34 – Mark Cavendish
20 – Spain
17 – United Kingdom (minus Isle of Man)
15 – Belgium, Australia
13 – Italy, Norway
12 – The Netherlands, Slovakia
9 – Colombia
8 – Slovenia https://t.co/TIGt836DL0

— Jon (@ormondroyd) July 9, 2021

"I feel privileged to be a part of many of these victories"@Mark_Renshaw reflects on @MarkCavendish's 34th @LeTour stage win. History has been made!#TDF2021 #TDFdata pic.twitter.com/xVq9D2Mngw

— letourdata (@letourdata) July 10, 2021

Unpopular opinion: I don't care about whether Mark Cavendish beats Eddy Merckx's record. It's like comparing apples and oranges. Whether it's 14, 24 or 34 stage wins, the number's almost irrelevant. The wider achievement is his longevity + standing as an epoch-defining sprinter

— Andy McGrath (@Andymcgra) July 7, 2021

Subtle and cunning plans

Ineos have been at all sixes and sevens this Tour because they aren’t/can’t dominate and they also just can’t make any traction on Pogacar. Which, as Carapaz has been hovering just outside the podium for awhile now, seems to be a plan that doesn’t work. But they keep drilling it on the front, burning all their matches and don’t have a lot to show for it (at time of writing – watch, Carapaz is going to ride a blinder today).

IT'S HAPPENING! #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/Bq8fp2vnwW

— Mihai Simion (@faustocoppi60) July 11, 2021

Ineos DS #sbstdf #couchpeloton pic.twitter.com/mPzkoNp374

— black cate (@blakcate) July 11, 2021

This has to be a cunning plan from INEOS. A plan so cunning I have no fucking idea what they're up to. #TDF2021

— John Galloway (@VelocastJohn) July 7, 2021

Maybe they are trying to get Cav over the time limit. So that ..erm… he doesn’t win sports personality of the year. Or Movistar taught them if they leave they need to be punished.

— Journal Velo (@JournalVelo) July 7, 2021

I could eat my words BUT comms are thrilled about a Carapaz attack being imminent and Pog being isolated despite no evidence Carapaz can launch a successful attack or that Pog needs his team around them

— Journal Velo (@JournalVelo) July 11, 2021

It's as if they decided "who cares about the four guys ahead of us, we'll just do what we always do".

— (((Lukas Knöfler))) (@lukascph) July 11, 2021

I think @SeanKellyCC has nailed it. A lot of these tactics make more sense if you just accept they're not racing against Pog but actually just scrapping for podium places.

— John Galloway (@VelocastJohn) July 11, 2021

And here’s a plan that worked like a dream. Go here for our stage 14 write-up

"The end of another epic day at the Tour de France!"

A stage win for Bauke Mollema! #tdf2021 pic.twitter.com/4pg4Auf6Ci

— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) July 10, 2021

Climbs before the calm

More hot hot hot stuff

#TDF2021 It was a hot one @davideformolo #UAETeamEmirates #RideTogether pic.twitter.com/tCuGZx1ABG

— @UAE-TeamEmirates (@TeamEmiratesUAE) July 11, 2021

Stage 1 Stage 15@estecharu @GreenEDGEteam #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/heXbz2vuSo

— ITV Cycling (@itvcycling) July 11, 2021

"I'd trade half my wins to not suffer on a day like that."

Mark Cavendish tells @friebos just how tough it is to get through stages like today's

— ITV Cycling (@itvcycling) July 11, 2021

Team #TDF2021
Photo: @GettySport pic.twitter.com/yIASFoVX5I

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) July 11, 2021

Rest 2:@LeTour #LasMascarillasDeBarbero
Easy pic.twitter.com/xrVPveiyXc

— Carlos Barbero (@BarberoCbc) July 12, 2021

Rest day vibes #TDF2021 @INEOSGrenadiers pic.twitter.com/ZhyiZG4U17

— Michał Kwiatkowski (@kwiato) July 11, 2021

Who’s left

Unfortunately, we’ve seen a lot of guys leaving the Tour this year, some as planned (Nibs isn’t starting this third week due to Olympic stuff, for one), some just couldn’t get in on the time cut. And some got picked up by the broom wagon. And of course Mathieu van der Poel had planned only to be in for a week, in order to wear the yellow jersey before he left. That one definitely has left riders and fans with very mixed emotions.

Mixed feelings on the MVDP leaving early issue. On one hand it's (obviously) not an equal race with those doing the full 3 weeks but on the other, he really animated the first week, think the Tour benefited from it a lot. Difficult one.

— Ollie (@OLL1E_K) July 13, 2021

People fans thought had gone home, but in fact are still in the race.

UAE at full strength, Jumbo totally decimated. Kudos to Jumbo today. Ineos I pass over in silence except to note that last year's Giro winner Geoghegan Hart is riding invisibly & apparently anonymously. Plus I thought Richie Porte went home but I guess he just got swallowed up. pic.twitter.com/oJjBLdZVcQ

— Beth (@stuckinoregon) July 11, 2021

It’s always a shame when a rider has been dropped and dropped and dropped again so that it’s only him and the broom wagon driving slowly behind him. That happened to Nacer Bouhanni over the weekend.

Nacer Bouhanni withdraws from the Tour de France https://t.co/eTmTPc5KLK pic.twitter.com/ul4tjgns2J

— The Cycle Collective (@cyclecollective) July 11, 2021

Bouhanni abandons.

It really is going to be Cav vs Pogacar for the sprint on the Champs, isn't it #TDF2021

— Issie (@IssieAtch) July 11, 2021

I always have respect for riders who know they are going to be WAY over the time limit but they ride the entire stage out of respect for the race. EBH did that this weekend and that’s just pure class.

Twitter, please give some love to #Eddie Boasson Hagen who is not even on Twitter, but what a fighter. Had the worst day of his life #outoftimelimit so sorry for him ⁦@TeamTotalEnrg⁩ pic.twitter.com/TqZKPQ3gCs

— Bernhard Eisel (@EiselBernhard) July 11, 2021

EBH looks like toast.

— John Galloway (@VelocastJohn) July 11, 2021

That's a long narrative! I just meant today!

— John Galloway (@VelocastJohn) July 11, 2021

The Gruppetto

I guess we could call the entire peloton the gruppetto as Lachlan has made it to Paris first.

https://t.co/1ONdg7G1tU

— Rouleur (@rouleur) July 13, 2021

Brad on the back of a motorbike has been quite the viewing experience. The wild gesticulating and aggressive pointing at the camera almost brought the peloton down at one point. His strange, impassioned Tom Simpson speech on the Ventoux stage. Oh, and his utter rudeness about his motorbike driver every chance he got on Saturday, which was really uncalled for. That was #unclass.

"Right Said Fred" have let themselves go. pic.twitter.com/0S0baDkII3

— John Galloway (@VelocastJohn) July 7, 2021

"He started it all for us"

An emotional @SirWiggo pays tribute to the great Tom Simpson on Mont Ventoux#TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/Y3xQFKc7uq

— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) July 7, 2021

The Wiggins bits feel like the end of a heavy night out on the drink. No idea what's happening and feeling a bit baffled.

— Sadhbh O'Shea (@SadhbhOS) July 11, 2021

Or you know you're going to regret the whole thing in the morning.

— Sadhbh O'Shea (@SadhbhOS) July 11, 2021

Controversial jersey talk?

I also think that if a rider holds two jerseys, they should be able to bestow one of them upon one of their teammates, instead of it going to whoever is in 2nd in the lesser classification.

The rider and the team hold the jersey, they should be allowed to showcase it. https://t.co/xG8RAyZonL

— Cillian Kelly (@irishpeloton) July 8, 2021

Controversial kit talk?

Team TotalEnergies kit is the best kit in the race this year. #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/S2uanqW2hk

— Chris Carlson (@Kiss_my_Panache) July 11, 2021

This is pretty cool! https://t.co/utyNxShMVS

— Jennifer Sage (@vivavelo) July 11, 2021

Trek-Segafredo when a Danish rider comes onto the pro market. https://t.co/o84I7fowaY pic.twitter.com/OIUPw9a8eE

— Dan Deakins (@DanDeakins) July 12, 2021

The last word

in his large, deep eyes, fiery black and bold, there seemed tokens of a spirit that would dare a thousand devils

— Moby Dick (@MobyDickatSea) July 11, 2021

You can say this Tour de France was lopsided, or slightly boring in places, but one thing you can’t say is that it didn’t have any heart. There were tears and hugs at almost every stage and Paris was no different. Except it had babies to be kissed as well! This last Tour Tweets of the Week for 2021 is filled with joy, laughs, creativity, #couchpeloton and a celebration that we were all in it together. Enjoy!

The fairytale ending

What they wanted to happen …

The perfect finish

— SuzeCY (@festinagirl) July 18, 2021

Set the new record, make your mark, retire and give back – like you say, top of your game with panache – no other way will do

— SuzeCY (@festinagirl) July 18, 2021

… against what actually did happen.

Amazing finish! I can’t believe he’s done it! #TDF2021 #TDF #couchpeloton pic.twitter.com/yI0ZizdzBV

— AnnaMac (@AnnamacB) July 18, 2021

pic.twitter.com/vREsREyuLi

— Maxine Dodd – Racing Lines (@maxine_dodd) July 19, 2021

Wout van Aert Eddy Merckx #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/DA8ovdMd7b

— Cycling Memes (@Cycling_Memes1) July 18, 2021

wild set of emotions there. super bummed for cav while being super stoked for wout

— Cycleboredom (@Cycleboredom) July 18, 2021

After that finish @MikeTeunissen deserves his weight in gold (and beer). The most phenomenal one-man leadout I've ever seen. Spot on. Chapeau.#TDF2021

— Will Newton (@InsidePeloton96) July 18, 2021

#TDF2021

Mike! Mike! Mike! pic.twitter.com/Xoegp50b9G

— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) July 18, 2021

The irony cannot be lost as a Belgian saves Eddy Merckx record… @WoutvanAert #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/jgxZ5DTiSk

— Vélo Péloton (@VeloPeloton) July 18, 2021

Wout van Aert cementing his place, as if it was needed, as one of the most exciting and accomplished of the next generation of riders. For Mark Cavendish, the romantic in us may have wanted otherwise, but history doesn’t need it. The best sprinter the race has ever seen.

— Orla Chennaoui (@SportsOrla) July 18, 2021

Question: Wout van Aert thou?
Answer: Everywhere

— Brian Nygaard (@nygaardbn) July 18, 2021

Wout van Aert…. @SportsOrla pic.twitter.com/9ckv1l55SF

— Proper Cycling Magazine (@CyclingProper) July 17, 2021

Oooooh baby baby

This Tour de France was rather loved up – with Cav sweeping Alaphilippe into his arms after almost every sprint stage to tears and hugs from first-time Stage winners all through the race. And Paris was no different – lots of babies, little kids, wives, teammates, everyone got in on the act

Stage Winner: @WoutvanAert

A fantastic sprint sees the Belgian take his 3rd win on the #TDF2021

Un sprint fantastique ! Wout van Aert était le plus puissant aujourd'hui pour s'offrir les Champs ! pic.twitter.com/9Qim8LH34S

— Tour de France (@LeTour) July 18, 2021

Wait, wot?

Are you saying he also won a BABY?!

That’s some f*cking talent there.

— Colin Lynch (@FormerTTchamp) July 18, 2021

For eternity #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/CH2Hcox9IY

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) July 18, 2021

#TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/ZeXczVnfTH

— Tour de France (@LeTour) July 18, 2021

#TDF2021

Bonne nuit et merci à tous! pic.twitter.com/LBNy3asLsA

— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) July 18, 2021

And mums

Might not be a yellow jersey, but my Mum would be proud
Thank you @LeTour #TDF2021 https://t.co/PSdrDNtEMT

— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) July 18, 2021

And wives (I think that might be against UCI rules …)

Gilbert takes his wife for a ride back to the hotel. #TourDeFrance pic.twitter.com/lPB5xXc7QT

— Reno (@renovandael) July 18, 2021

And absent countrymen

The Slovenian riders celebrate this second Tour de France win without forgetting their fellow countryman @rogla!

Les Slovènes célèbrent ce deuxième titre consécutif sans oublier leur compatriote @rogla, forcé à l'abandon ! #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/ssUZnZKp4P

— Tour de France (@LeTour) July 18, 2021

And teammates (tell me Vingegaard doesn’t look like Andy Schleck from that angle …)

Waaaaaaaahhhhh @WoutvanAert and Jonas! Big guns, congrats to everyone @JumboVismaRoad !! pic.twitter.com/VbLKOZMylV

— Richard Plugge (@RichardPlugge) July 18, 2021

We sing a song of Andre Greipel

One of the classiest riders ever is retiring at the end of this year. You would be hard-pressed to find a video of Andre Greipel throwing all the toys out of his pram or failing to congratulate riders who beat him to the line. Always humble, always gracious (in winning as well as defeat) and always grounded. We wish him all the best of everything.

WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE & REMEMBER YOU BIG TIME ANDRE !#supremosprinter #thebest #legend #gorilla#wattpower pic.twitter.com/j8bddyiKov

— ❨ j ˖⋆✿ ༄wear a mask (@sitdowninfront) July 17, 2021

Andre Greipel, who is 6th most victorious rider of all time (Source: PCS), announced that he'll retire at end of season. #TDF2021 https://t.co/zRqGBXngea

How it all started. Greipel's first of a total of 158 pro wins came in 2005 Post Danmark Rundt ().https://t.co/ltbj9Lnnu5

— ammattipyöräily (@ammattipyoraily) July 17, 2021

What a legend! @andregreipel #beer pic.twitter.com/WjWkcyv8a8

— Peredur ap Gwynedd (@Perryguitar666) July 17, 2021

The youngest ISN rider in the #TDF2021, Omer Goldstein , shows his legendary teammate @AndreGreipel all the RESPECT. pic.twitter.com/f2Z5NnCWxR

— Israel Start-Up Nation / Israel Cycling Academy (@TeamIsraelSUN) July 18, 2021

"This was an emotional day, knowing that I would take on my last #TDF2021 stage." – @AndreGreipel

"The whole team fought admirably and this is definitely something we can build on for the future.” – @RikVerbrugghe

Final Report & Reactions: https://t.co/nhT4ytLCCm pic.twitter.com/xDtuGeQPNb

— Israel Start-Up Nation / Israel Cycling Academy (@TeamIsraelSUN) July 18, 2021

The other peloton …

A special shout-out to fans that don’t let sleep get in their way when it comes to bike racing and (just as importantly) great tweeting during said bike races. We love you, #couchpeloton!

It’s been brilliant! Thank you for your excellent commentary and my compliments to the technical “back stage” crew also. See you at #LaVuelta21

— AliAprhys (Paterson) (@Alisurfer) July 18, 2021

Belinda … pure joie de vivre

#RookingRacingRecap #TDF2021 Edition is wrapped up!
Every Stage (except crash-fest Stage 3Confounded face) of #TDF in 2541 seconds. Handy if you can't remember which stage had the stuck sausage truck or when Richie went Willunga-ing. #CouchPeloton https://t.co/oYSx7S6PJZ

— Belinda (@reallyspoketome) July 19, 2021

So much creativity! Loved the #TourdemyGarden from Englishtifosi

#Sunflowers on #TourdemyGarden. One rider still ahead of the bunch. #couchpeloton #TourdeFrance #TDF2021 #TDF #Cycling pic.twitter.com/tiEH7ADG0p

— Englishtifosi (@41Tourstages) July 16, 2021

On to the #ChampsElysees for the first lap! #TourdemyGarden. #couchpeloton #TourdeFrance #TDF2021 #TDF #Cycling pic.twitter.com/U8p9HiEft6

— Englishtifosi (@41Tourstages) July 18, 2021

The Barbie and Ken sets MrsFrog must have … Loved her recreations (#letourdepoupees) throughout the Tour

Stage 21 Chatou to Paris, Champs-Élysées Pt2 – Cav or Bling choose your own adventure podium #letourdepoupees #sbstdf #couchpeloton pic.twitter.com/U9LbId8JSU

— MrsFrog (@musettedutour) July 18, 2021

This is pure genius

Stage 19 Mourenx to Libourne – Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil… please not again #letourdepoupees #sbstdf #couchpeloton pic.twitter.com/yIt88FC4uZ

— MrsFrog (@musettedutour) July 17, 2021

And a little bit of cycling history with two slices of bread and a couple of dolls

To honour the 10th anniversary of Cadel's win, Schleck sandwich #toursanga #letourdepoupees #sbstdf #couchpeloton pic.twitter.com/rmLjXhZmo3

— MrsFrog (@musettedutour) July 16, 2021

If you’re not already following the #couchpeloton hashtag, you must. They’re here all year and they’re a very welcoming bunch!

Just the usual reminder to all who have joined the couch for the TdF that the #couchpeloton is active throughout the year and especially when any cycling is televised. So don't be a stranger till next years Tour (Coming up is the Olympics cycling and then La Vuelta).

— Dorian H (@The_Wolf71) July 17, 2021

If you missed it

‘I’m going to speak from the heart and just say what I have to say … ‘ Well put, Tadej

Speech! Speech!

The winner of the #TDF2021: @tamaupogi pic.twitter.com/v81HRJWRAk

— Tour de France (@LeTour) July 18, 2021

A feat for any rider. Billy should be proud

Giro
Vuelta
Le Tour

Mr Consistent – @RichardCarapazM makes it a remarkable hat-trick of Grand Tour podiums pic.twitter.com/3TbBYZIU7P

— INEOS Grenadiers (@INEOSGrenadiers) July 18, 2021

In pictures: the thrills and spills of the 2021 Tour de France https://t.co/poBWlLxl4a

— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) July 19, 2021

An alphabetical list of the 43 abandons, the respective riders' expectations, how they were racing, and why they left the Tour.#tdf2021 #tourdefrance #lostboyshttps://t.co/yRJGRBCkeq

— VeloNews (@velonews) July 19, 2021

Here's The Grubers with a lovely collection of photos from #TDF2021 https://t.co/O2ZBWSejRw

— CyclingTips (@cyclingtips) July 19, 2021

#TDF2021

From Brest to Paris: the Tour de France was a roller coaster from start to finish #samenwinnen pic.twitter.com/RPeZiNbWNM

— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) July 18, 2021

The Gruppetto

A podium of torsos

This image is objectively hilarious. #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/LJOKjxF5hH

— Kate Marzillier (@marzillk) July 18, 2021

La une du journal L'Équipe du lundi 19 juillet 2021.
Le journal > https://t.co/R9h8R6C3ej pic.twitter.com/Q4E9GqVFRK

— L'ÉQUIPE (@lequipe) July 19, 2021

Champers on the Champs

Prost @Daniel87Oss#TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/3SX2DDgCwO

— Tour de France – DE (@letour_de) July 18, 2021

Sprawled …

At what time do the street sweepers come on Champs-Élysées? Asking for a friend.#TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/taEucFKYgT

— Alpecin-Fenix Cycling Team (@AlpecinFenix) July 18, 2021

Racing is all about tuftness

Glorious #TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/0GR5rWC8Yu

— Issie (@IssieAtch) July 18, 2021

Happiness is …

You’ve not seen true happiness until you’ve seen Richard Carapaz emerge from a quiet French service station clutching a Cornetto and a Kinder Bueno.

— George Solomon (@GeorgeSolomon) July 17, 2021

I love Paris in the summer … when it sizzles

Merci @Paris #TDF2021

A.S.O / @a_gruber @jeredgruber pic.twitter.com/roWBFPDXgU

— Tour de France (@LeTour) July 18, 2021

The last word

A quick 'merci beaucoup' to all the Bike Twitter folks for the good Tour de France conversation, discussion, and debate over the past few weeks. I (mostly) enjoyed it — and when I didn't, I just hit the mute button #TDF2021

— Neal Rogers (@nealrogers) July 18, 2021

It’s the time of the season … we have the Olympics, transfer rumours and announcements and just waiting for the Vuelta to start.

Showing their medal …

Primož Roglič tore through the Olympic time trial to take gold Wednesday, reversing the disappointment of his Tour de France tragedy.

“It’s super hard when things are not going the way you would like to … I had nothing to lose."#olympics #tokyo2020https://t.co/FDdgxcYqLc

— VeloNews (@velonews) July 28, 2021