As the riders turn on to the champs elysses for the final bunch sprint the leader begins to change direction erratically, his leg muscles trembling. The expression on his face tells the a story we are all too familiar with. Seconds later his right leg cramps and he is sent tumbling to the ground, riders behind him falling like dominoes, hopes of winning this years Tour de France dashed.
Three riders at the rear of the bunch manage to manoeuvre around the calamity and attention is back to the final sprint. Duval the gear mashing Belgian leads Smith the American with Leitch, the young Scot left handing on at the back.
Leitch’s hand reaches into the back pocket of his jersey to produce what can only be described as an I.V. bag. Sucking Smith’s wheel tightly Leitch manages to thrust a needle into his left arm. He squeezes the bag tightly before removing the needle and discarding the bag. Like a man reborn the young Scot jumps to life. His legs pounding on the pedals, Sugino Cranks creaking under the immense torque, the 3Rensho frame flexing. Leitch’s head goes down as he takes the lead in the last 5 metres only to come up as he sits back in his saddle, arms raised as he crosses the line to fanfare and applause.
Andrew Leitch has won this years Tour de France. Against all odds. From Glasgow to Glory.
As the riders turn on to the champs elysses for the final bunch sprint the leader begins to change direction erratically, his leg muscles trembling. The expression on his face tells the a story we are all too familiar with. Seconds later his right leg cramps and he is sent tumbling to the ground, riders behind him falling like dominoes, hopes of winning this years Tour de France dashed.
Three riders at the rear of the bunch manage to manoeuvre around the calamity and attention is back to the final sprint. Duval the gear mashing Belgian leads Smith the American with Leitch, the young Scot left handing on at the back.
Leitch’s hand reaches into the back pocket of his jersey to produce what can only be described as an I.V. bag. Sucking Smith’s wheel tightly Leitch manages to thrust a needle into his left arm. He squeezes the bag tightly before removing the needle and discarding the bag. Like a man reborn the young Scot jumps to life. His legs pounding on the pedals, Sugino Cranks creaking under the immense torque, the 3Rensho frame flexing. Leitch’s head goes down as he takes the lead in the last 5 metres only to come up as he sits back in his saddle, arms raised as he crosses the line to fanfare and applause.
Andrew Leitch has won this years Tour de France. Against all odds. From Glasgow to Glory.