Piedmont Alps

The sunflowers are in bloom on the first day's ride through Monferrato

Germano serves mountain cheese with a smile at Ostu Baloss in Saluzzo

Larry climbs toward Pian del Re, headwaters of the river Po

Gino's turns are pretty steep on Colle Fauniera

Beppe and Larry by an ancient guest's painting at Hotel La Font, Castelmagno

A view of the morning's climb from our room at Hotel La Font, Castelmagno

The sun shines on Pantani's statue atop Colle Fauniera

One of many rock tunnels on the lower slopes of Colle Sampeyre

Eric climbs out of the valley on Colle Agnello

"Marc" fits in at a French cafe in his vintage Renault jersey

Heather pauses at the Coppi-Bobet monument on Col d'Izoard

The Olympic town of Sestriere marks the final climb of the tour

Cycling Photos:

Heather Reid