André Leducq was a complete French Badass, with a capital B. He was third, below Merckx and Hinault for Tour de France stage wins. Nicolas Frantz was an equally Badass Luxembourger. He rode to more victories than Frandy Schleck shall ever attain in a few lifetimes. He did win the Tour de France.
The crowd is obviously pleased to have these thin, healthy supermen in their village. Bicycles are properly leaned against a wall. Their caps look a little dusty. Studying the glasses a person might guess they are enjoying some of Belgium’s finest beverage. Maybe, in the late 1920s the French brewed excellent beer. Are they drinking before a race or after a race? Can one look this good after a race back in the 1920s? Let’s assume this is post-race. Someone won, someone didn’t. Two rivals can still have a laugh and a glass of quality malted recovery beverage to make the day complete. These brothers of the road are enjoying some beautiful ale and having a nice time doing it.
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Not only does the water go down the plug the other way, on this side of the planet, those bikes are are facing the opposite way and parked drive side to the wall!!
Merckx! That is awesome!
I will have a hoppy in honour of this tremendous photo. That's the excuse at least.
@TBONE @Ron
Well played. Although, I think with the move to Poland and the rise in prices, Assos has seen a decline in quality. Santini.
@Joe
I feel your pain. Too hopped, Too strong. Too foamy. Too pissed after two pints. As we americans (and velominati) usually do, we take a good thing and take it too far. I miss the cask conditioned pints of England.
A long time ago I spent some time in Salt Lake City, Utah. There are some nice breweries and outdoor beer gardens. It didn't dawn on us for a long time that the beer was 3.2% alcohol, by law. But I loved being able to drink a few post-ride pints and not be ruined. My wife was not amused, she wanted her fair share in every pint, bless her. Cursed the mormons for it.
@Gianni
We totally need a wool throwback V-Jersey. Of course, you're only allowed to wear it if you also have sew-ups crossed over your shoulders...
@JoeB I've been looking for googles like that forever!
Great photo. Would love to know the background to it. The crowd seem to be watching avidly. They glasses are about equally full. The drinkers are well away from the bar and standing. All this suggests some local ritual or ceremony that is a featured part of the event. Or perhaps the winner was presented with a magnum of finest brew and offered on the spot to share it with his vanquished opponent. In any event, a great find, and proof positive of the significance or Rule 47.
Chapeau to the V-Kitted Velominatus I passed on the trail in Kenmore on Tuesday evening. A-Merckx!
end threadjack
@Gianni - you are so unutterably correct about the benefits of 'slow rehydration.'
Alas I must confess my only interaction with booze in Utah was buying a 6 pack of corona from a petrol station after narrowly avoiding a flaming viking exit when the fuel pump on my car exploded and doused me in Yeager bombs.
It need to be a lot stronger than 2.6pc....
Ah the dichotomy....Fullers 1845 at the (bottom) then top of the hill, then some cool refreshing Hophead therafter. 3d fitness in a nutshell...
maybe doggles could be adapted