Pic of the Day 31st January, 2006
1949 Man-made Rain
http://www.wooljersey.com/
1949 was the beginning of a series of unusually hot Tours de France. Spectators, officials, and team personnel were quick to recognize the needs of the racers, and provided water stations in store fronts, town squares, fountains, streams, and even along mountain roads. Here the riders are just beginning the climb of the Tourmalet, stage 11, and a hose-and-bucket brigade are providing relief for Gino Bartali. Jean Robic is already ahead, and will win the stage from Lazarides and Coppi. From "200 Momenti Fotografici del 'Tour' 1949" by Emilio de Martino.
Aldo Ross
Middletown, Ohio