Going through the Alps is a ritual for the Tour de France – but having it run literally around the corner from where I live is rarer. It’s what happened this year, giving me the opportunity of a few impromptu shots.

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The path is cleared and secured very methodically.

Tour de France 2018 on my doorstep The first 4, who have escaped ahead, race down the hill ...

Tour de France 2018 on my doorstep ... followed by the usual armada of TV motorcycles, and technical support cars.

Tour de France 2018 on my doorstep 2 minutes later, the pack tumbles down .

Tour de France 2018 on my doorstep

Especially at the front, its density is impressive...

Tour de France 2018 on my doorstep ... and the quest for aerodynamic optimization to shave fractions of seconds is on.

Tour de France 2018 on my doorstep By contrast, just a few meters behind, the rhythm seems almost tranquil.

Tour de France 2018 on my doorstep

It only takes a few seconds for the whole pack to race past me. The procession is closed by more tech support cars.

Tour de France 2018 on my doorstep Some of the spectators are still in World Cup mode 😊

Tour de France 2018 on my doorstep

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