Tour de France Advice

RaglanSurf

RaglanSurf

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Hello Folks,

I'm not sure if this is in the right forum but I'm sure if it's not some good mod will shift it for me.

I'm going to be in France next week and Stage 11, Blaye-les-Mines to Lavaur, of the TdF, will be going past the end of the road.

I've never taken any cycling shots before so not sure how to get the best out of the opportunity.

I'm going to take two bodies, my D90 and the F4, so which lenses should I take?

I've borrowed a few lenses so I have at my disposal a variety of manual lenses. 28mm f2.8, 50mm f1.4, 50mm f1.8 and a 200mm f4

Also AF lenses, 35mm f2, 50mm 1.8, 10-20mm, 18-200mm VR and an 80-200mm f2.8.

So given the choice and the baggage limitations of sleazy jet, what should I take?

Also are there any top tips for TdF photographs.

I'm aware that I'm not going to have a lot of time as they zoom past but would like to get as much out of this as possible.

Cheers
 
It's quite a difficult race to photograph from the side of the road. On flat, straight roads they'll be travelling at over 40mph. Add to that all the motorbike outriders, judges cars and team cars and it starts to get quite cluttered. There's more opportunities on bends and hills but they still shift. If they pass on your side of the road you don't stand a chance. All of the lenses you mention could be suitable depending on the circumstances.

Some of my favourite TdF pictures show the riders in the landscape on a wider lens.
 
Thanks Richard,

I'm aware that it's a bit of a 'how long is a piece of string' question.

I think I'll just take everything and hope for the best.

I just have an image of the whole pelaton zipping past me while I'm fumbling in my bag for the right lens :lol:
 
If your in a crowd, the other issue is all the flags given out by the caravan. You can find yourself a great spot only for your viewfinder to suddenly fill with little flags.

It's a great spectacle and I love it, wish I was going this year. Have fun!
 
It's passing right through my village this year :) The last time I went to see it, a couple of years ago when it passed through a village nearby, the 'entourage' seemed to be going by in dribs and drabs for ages. When the cyclists finally showed up, they were also gone again in a flash :)
 
SMT said:
It's passing right through my village this year :) The last time I went to see it, a couple of years ago when it passed through a village nearby, the 'entourage' seemed to be going by in dribs and drabs for ages. When the cyclists finally showed up, they were also gone again in a flash :)
Click to expand...

Where abouts are you? Are you taking photo's this year? I'd like to see what's achievable from the roadside.
 
I'm in Cessenon Sur Orb 34. It's stage 15 and passing through the village on the 17th. TBH sports photography is not really my thing. I'll probably take a camera along, but most likely I'll be sitting at the bar having a few beers. :)

They are closing the road here between 12:00 and 4:30 if I remember correctly. I guess they must be doing something simular where you are going to be. You should be able to choose a good spot as long as you get there before they close the road and are prepared to wait until they open it again.
 
I've been watching the Tour de France on TV for the past few years and it seems that most press photographers use a flash to help freeze the action. If you're just standing at the roadside while they go past a flash may help get a sharp shop. Maybe 2nd Curtain flash but I'm no flash expert by any means.
 
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