Coppi christens the Alpe

The peloton of the Tour de France is approaching the Alpine town of Bourg d’Oisans. It’s late afternoon on Friday 4th July 1952 and the 88 riders that will finish the race’s 10th stage have been on the road for nearly eight hours and 252km since setting out from the Swiss city of Lausanne.

Much of the racing has been underwhelming. It’s hot and the riders are in no mood to extend themselves, so have instead conserved as much energy as possible. They have stopped at fountains to fill their bottles and have gladly