Not so much four seasons in one day, but perhaps two. In that way a mountain can close it’s weather in when it’s had enough of you, the bottom of the ascent was blissful and coffee lined, while the top was a little different – all be it dry, this time.
Pre-ride rituals the same whichever corner you start from.
Essentially my ideal lunch at a new discovery that trip to Annecy – Basecamp bike cafe.
Two French and a Swede climbing out of Annecy and higher into the Alps.
It always makes sense to photograph people on their local routes if possible. They know where to go and they’re comfortable getting you there, so bring a relaxed feel that transmits to film.
I’d been here many times but other than once, it was always with cameras rather than a bike. It was all new to the Swede.
It’s a challenge in itself to avoid being reflected in cycling glasses one is there to photograph. Nobody wants to see a bloke hanging out of the boot of a car when they’re choosing their next glasses. It’s become a thing now between Nico and I, so much so that he has a simple hand gesture (not that one) from afar to say glasses off?
I’ve photographed Nico Roux cycling a number of times, though I’ve never got used to the speed at which he descends and to pull that off with both confidence and grace is a true talent.
This particular corner was entered somewhere in the region of 50-70kph. And he went round it like he was on rails. As astounding a feat to watch as a Le Mans car cornering sure and level and at huge speed like a guided missile. Most that see this image assume what happened next was messy and painful, but what actually followed was more of the same. Pin point high speed cornering with elegance, every time.
The other side of the mountain was warmth and coffee back at Base Camp.
A mountain for all seasons – And a local alp for my friends in yellow.