Gallery
Bag Lunch TdF99
Every stage (excluding time trials) will have a designated "feed zone" where soigneurs will pass musettes their riders filled with lunch, energy gels/bars, drinks and perhaps, a special treat. Riders will burn over 6,000 calories on an average stage so keeping themselves fueled can be a logistical nightmare. As the peloton enters the feed zone they will look for their team helpers who will be holding the musettes aloft. The riders will snatch at the straps of the canvas bags as they whiz by, hoping not to drop either the bag or its contents. This pass was a little dicey. I am not sure how the soigneur managed to mess up his position, but he had to quickly lean back as far as he could to prevent making Kristijan Koren (Cannondale-Drapac) crash as he grabbed lunch. As I painted this, I thought he must be the last chance for Koren, but as I started watching again, it was clear that it was in fact the first chance for the Cannondale-Drapac rider.