Tour de Force: Inspiring recovery stories from this year’s Tour de France race

The 2014 Tour de France has been full of ups and downs. From amazing turn-arounds, to devastating blows, the stories from this year’s tour are making history. This race is significant for its grueling nature, the team politics, and amazing length. The athletes who competed this year have again proved what the word ‘champion’ means. Here are a few of the most incredible stories to relive, as the tour finally comes to an end.

Recovering reputation

It looks as though a dream came true for the people of France. Romain Bardet, Jean-Christophe Peraud and Thibaut Pinot made the nation proud as they competed for the yellow jersey. These men were expected to help the nation place in the top three of the Tour de France, and the locals couldn’t have been more excited. Unfortunately, none of them made it home with the yellow, but their race on the 25th of July was incredible to witness.

On Thursday July 25, Thibaut Pinot in conjunction with Peraud attacked the lead Valverde. The Spaniard remained calm, saying after the race, “the podium isn’t impossible.”Thibaut came in second place in the overall numbers that day.

America’s pride

Another person who received much attention during the Tour was American Andrew Talansky. He was forced to abandon the race, but fought a valiant battle to complete 11 stages. Talansky’s hopes of being victorious were dashed after two early crashes. He probably should have dropped out of the race sooner, but made a decision not to quit so soon. Racing while injured does not receive accolades from doctors, even though fans widely applaud the effort.

Talansky was bandaged, scraped, cut, and bruised as he started the 187.5-km stage that began in Besancon. By the end of that day, he was unable to remove his jersey without help at the finish line, because his body had become so stiff.

Team officials held a prolonged conversation with Talanksy as they rode in the following car, and the decision to continue was made. Pressing on, Talansky fell behind everyone but the broom wagon, TV motorbike, a team car, and the pickup van for riders who abandon the race. He dismounted his bike at one point of the stage and talked with his team director, Robbie Hunter. Robbie had prior experience with abandoning the race and encouraged Talansky to proceed. He was in pain and weeping, but decided to remount.

A French rider, Tony Gallopin, won the stage of the race that set a deadline for Talansky. He had 37 minutes and 17 seconds to go across the finish line in order to be eligible for Thursday’s stage. A diminished crowd witnessed the accomplishment 32 minutes and 5 seconds later. Heartbroken, he abandoned the race on Thursday. He was suffering from acute sacroiliitis and an upper respiratory infection.

The winners

In the end it was Vincenzo Nibali who took the yellow jersey for 2014. After many major competitors were forced to abandon the race, the Italian was able to push ahead after 21 well-ridden stages. His climbs in the Alps and Pyrenees were formidable and he was able to win a stage in each. Taking second place, Peraud made France proud.

The stories from the 2014 Tour have certainly made an impact in the biking community. Today’s riders face increasing pressure from officials concerning performance-enhancing drugs, the threat of injury and team politics. While there is a lot to overcome, riders also have the benefits of modern technology, better doctors and Edmonton optometrists, and new accessories like Londonderry Eye Care prescription sunglasses and more aerodynamic helmets from Giro.

Take it from those who know – the Tour de France is full of challenges. But the success and stories that come out of it are worth every moment.