France and Cycling

[Donald]

As most of you will know, cycling is huge in France. Indeed, the number of obviously serious amateurs who, each day, passed by the gite where we were staying, on their climb of the Col de Truges, was incredible.

Whilst out driving round the countryside one day we happened to arrive in Tramayes, where the 4th and final leg of the 'Saone to the Loire' race was due to end. It was festival day in the town (and since the the car park where I'd put the car was closed off for about 4 hours, we had no choice but to stay).

In the lead up to the main race arriving in town, there were a series of local events. There was a seniors (adults) race, around a town circuit. Then the juniors (I'd guess 12 - 15 year olds) raced on the same circuit. And then ... along came the little kids, who did a length of the main street (the finishing straight).


Never too Young to Start


40D, 70-200mm f/4L IS USM @ 85mm. ISO100. 1/250@f4

And then the big boys arrived in town.

Nearing the Finish Line


40D, 70-200mm f/4L IS USM @ 70mm. ISO100. 1/1000@f5.6

[rpcrowe]

Great shots Donald. The 70-200mm f/4L IS is a wonderful lens and you have used it well capturing these images.

[ilovelucydog]

More great shots, Donald.My 18 yr old is a cyclist... you've captured them well.

[Katy Noelle]

"Lance Armstrong!"

I love the faces of the men cyclists!

[Donald]

Thanks, folks.

Richard - the 70-200 f4 is my only L lens so I have no other against which to compare aspects of its performance. But it continues to 'blow-me-away' with its quality. I love it.

This was also the first time I had ever seriously shot on AI Servo and with high-burst shooting (6fps from my 40D). All exciting stuff for someone who usually mulls over his landscapes for many, many minutes before firing-off one shot.

[JohnC]

First class, Donald.. I've seen these races in France- they love them don't they.

[RockNGoalStar]

Superb Donald! I especially like the second one, the clarity is amazing and you've captured the determination on their faces. Good job!

[Donald]

Superb Donald! I especially like the second one, the clarity is amazing and you've captured the determination on their faces. Good job!

Thank you, Tommy.

I have not used every lens ever made, but I think you'd need to go an awfully long way to beat the Canon 70-200 f4 L IS for image clarity like this. I just love it.