Fernand Fourcade shares his love of the Tour de France in a photo album

LEs Pyrenees, it is the theater of the largest struggles in the Tour de France. These passes are also the decor of Fernand Fourcade who grew up at the foot of these mountains which he likes so much. For the 68-year-old press photographer, it is impossible to miss the Pyrenean meeting of the Grande Boucle. “I covered a plain stage once, in the Gers. I was bored to die. My pleasure is the mountain. The passes are unique, ”delivers the passionate of the little queen.

Four decades that the photographer mixes with the peloton and the crowd of supporters to immortalize these moments. “What I like about this job is the report with people,” says Fernand Fourcade. Its objective thus freezes thousands of faces along the stages, by the roads as on the two wheels. Self -taught, the professional at the back of the motorcycle on the lookout, always in search of the beautiful image.

Spectacular shots

“You know the photo that will work.” It’s always a few kilometers before the end of the pass, where there is the crowd. You waited until the afternoon and at the end, there is an adrenaline rise which will last a minute when the runners pass. There, do not miss ourselves, ”he says with greed. In his bag of memories, hundreds of clichés and as many anecdotes for the one who rubbed shoulders with Hinault, Fignon, Merckx, Indurain and the others.

From Tourmalet to Aubisque, from Hautacam to Soulor, Fernand Fourcade is working to capture the effervescence of this mythical competition, where sporting prowess and natural beauty mix. “I love this atmosphere so much. The Tour de France is not difficult to cover. There are so many photos to do, ”he smiles. Images that enthusiast has shared for several years according to exhibitions.

What to take advantage of his spectacular shots of cyclists facing the arduous slopes, but also breathtaking panoramas which highlight the splendor of the Pyrenean landscapes. The enthusiastic faces of the crowd by the roads offer a human touch to his work. Lifted hands, smiling looks, smiles and a procession of family and popular scenes that make the essence of this secular event.

For the benefit of medical research

Of course, cycling stars are at the heart of Fernand Fourcade’s work. The photographer has taken these moments of intense efforts from the runners to share the courage of these extraordinary athletes. In the midst of ascent or in breathless sprints, the clichés of these champions which he admires so much complete the picture drawn up by Fernand Fourcade.

A painting that the photographer shares for the first time in a book. “The big mouth in the heart of the Pyrenees” brings together 90 of its most beautiful shots selected with care by itself. Published by Mon Hélios editions, this work, prefaced by cycling runners Thibaut Pinot and Matthieu Ladagnous, is sold in favor of the Foundation for Medical Research.

Fernand Fourcade will be dedicated on May 17 in the municipal hall of Lamarque-Pontacq from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 14 at the Meridian cultural space in Ibos, from July 18 to 20 at the festival of the book of Accous, on July 26 at the Fête du livre d’Argelès-Gazost.