Tour Down Under 10/10: Jill the photographer 0/10

I was so looking forward to this year's Tour Down Under Stage 5 when the riders would finish here in Victor Harbor.  Kate and Kim were going to come over, but the timing wasn't right as they were moving into their new apartment on the very day the Tour began. I began watching Stage 5 on television then drove into Victor to get a good position to view the cyclists as they came thundering into the finish. I set the camera on the 'Sport' feature and I spent some time focussing and being prepared. I  know from experience that you wait for over an hour to see them, then they zoom past you in approximately six seconds. Firstly, I took some photos with my phone camera. I always love these cycling kangaroos that decorate the roundabouts in Victor at this time.

This is where I positioned myself- at the roundabout where one would think they might slow down a bit! Hmmm. As it turned out, wishful thinking I'm afraid.

 First, the caravan passed us.

 More people started arriving.

The cops arriving means that the road has been closed off to all traffic. We waited to hear the helicopter that signals the riders are close and coming.

 And here it is.

The excitement was incredible (only to be felt, I think, if you are actually there; Steve's eyes glaze over when I try and tell him how tremendously exciting it is). And now, I could see them in the distance - a huge body of legs and wheels catapulting towards us at tremendous speed. The sound of the peleton's wheels whirring as they whirl by and the palpable energy they create is amazing. So amazing in fact, that I forgot to turn the camera on and this is my view after the peleton had (unfortunately) passed by and I realised I hadn't taken any photos even though I was frantically pressing the silver button! 

Oh no. I have missed getting the definitive shot!!!! In my defense I was using an old camera I hadn't used for years. It has a great 'Sport' feature which is why I took this particular camera but the off/on button is in a different spot from the camera I now use, and I just wasn't used to it. I didn't want to turn the camera on too early as it then goes into 'wait' mode if it is on too long and then takes a while to warm up. No wonder I love my Panasonic point and shoot.

And then the team cars came by so I knew I'd lost my chance.

But I am given a second opportunity when the next group of riders appears. These had been dropped by the peleton after the steep Kirby Hill climb a few kms back. Yay. I'm in luck. The camera is ON and my finger is ready!!!!!! 

Not so many riders but they are still zooming along and everyone is cheering.

 I swiftly cross to the other side of the street while no riders are in sight.
And then, not long after, yet another group flashes past. I am now definitely on top of this.

You can just see part of the crowd on the right-hand side of the road.

 I walked towards the finishing line half a kilometre away hoping to be in time for the presentations. And here are the truly late comers, a group of seven, so I cheered them on.

 They are on the home stretch now.

 I like the way people stayed to yell and clap this last group from the 135 riders.

They are laughing and chatting to each other. Perhaps they feel good that at least someone is photographing them - or more likely, the end is in sight! They have ridden 150 kms.

 Past a lovely old cottage. I was lucky to recognise No 12 - Mads Pedersen the current world road race champion who had raced brilliantly all day to protect team-mate Richie Porte, which is why he is in this final bunch of riders.

 And through the finish line.

 Here's part of the crowd. It was a lovely sunny day and everyone was in a good mood. Behind the crowd is where the team cars and cyclists are.

 I think this is the Decueninck-Quick Step team having a well-earned drink and eats and getting out of their gear.

 I pushed my way to the presentation stage and (sort of) captured Jasper Philpsen getting the sprint jersey for this race.

A post script: Australian Richie Porte won the Tour Down Under overall, winning by 25 seconds on the following day - Australia Day! A fitting end to a great week (for cycling enthusiasts). 

These final two photos were taken from my television. I loved the way the ticker-tape fluttered around Porte as the crowd cheered.