STORYLINE:

With all three favourites taking a fall in the last few weeks, Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme says the outcome of the French classic race has never been so uncertain.

While four-time winner Chris Froome has announced he would not be in Brussels for the first stage on 6th July because of a broken leg, last year's Yellow Jersey Geraint Thomas confirmed his participation despite a crash in the Tour de Suisse.

Their Columbian teammate Egan Bernal also fell during training in early May.

Prudhomme also said on Wednesday that he doesn't like the use of real time data in the Tour de France.

The Frenchman said "Bluffing should exist or at least make a come back. At one point, a racing cyclist should be able to trick another into believing that he's not feeling that bad."

SHOTLIST: Boulogne-Billancourt, France. 19th June 2019 / File

Boulogne-Billancourt, France. 19th June 2019

1. 00:00 Close of Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme giving interview

2. 00:05 Wide of Prudhomme during interview

Doncaster, England, UK. 1st May 2019

3. 00:11 Various of Chris Froome at Team Ineos launch

Boulogne-Billancourt, France. 19th June 2019

4. 00:31 SOUNDBITE (French): Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France Director:

"The Tour de France with Chris Froome and without is not the same thing. He has been the central character since, we'll say, 2013 – even if he was already here in 2012 and even if in 2012, with Bradley Wiggins, behind Bradley Wiggins, next to Bradley Wiggins, we talked about him a lot. So other scenarios are going to open up. There was this 'trident' with Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas and Egan Bernal – who wasn't expected in these circumstances with his fall that prevented him from taking part in the Giro – and this time, it's Geraint Thomas who fell during the Tour de Suisse. There's a succession of falls, three, involving the three leaders of the team (Ineos) just a few weeks apart as if bad luck never comes alone and hit the team hard. Of course, with that, things are going to change."

Paris, France. 29th July 2018.

5. 01:21 Thomas waving to crowd after Tour de France win

Cardiff, Wales, UK. 9th August 2018.

6. 01:30 Geraint Thomas holding Wales flag

Boulogne-Billancourt, France. 19th June 2019

7. SOUNDBITE (French): Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France Director:

"As a reference to the 100 years of the Yellow Jersey, we made sure that there were many mountain passes over 2000m and for the first time in the Tour de France's history, we will have 3 finishing lines over 2000m in altitude. The Tourmalet, Tignes and Val Thorens. We know that over 2000m the performances of each can change but we are nearly pretty sure that the Colombians won't be less strong at 2000m. And of course, Bernal is Columbian…"

8. 02:01 Mid of Prudhomme during interview

9. 02:07 SOUNDBITE (French): Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France Director:

"For me, it shouldn't be possible to have access in real time to the data from the power meters. That it should be possible to study it after the day's stage, yes, of course and the work done around the strategy is great and must be done in each team. Just not in real time. Bluffing should exist or at least make a come back. At one point, a racing cyclist should be able to trick another into believing that he's not feeling that bad. Power meters mean that racers never push themselves into the red zone which means that they can resist for a very very long time. But if you get into that red zone, because of your temperament or your instinct you let yourself be taken there, you will suffer later. These missteps are what make the competition exciting, it has fuelled the legend of these races and the Tour de France. We should be able to get that back and everybody should understand this. Now, of course, only victory matters and when you win or find yourself in a position to win, the only important thing is not the pleasure of your fans, but the victory."

10. 03:00 Mid of Prudhomme during interview

11. 03:05 SOUNDBITE (French): Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France Director:

"Some want to present the world of Sports as a perfect world but it will never be. Things really have changed but unfortunately, there are always idiots out there and we should catch them and do everything we can to stop them because it's essential that people trust the results. Cycling really has changed – I'm sure of that – but I realise this is not an ideal world and I'm conscious of the fact that because of these idiots we have to continue carrying the weight of doping and it's a legitimate question."

12. 03:29 Pan of Tour de France map and Prudhomme during interview

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 03:38

STORYLINE:

Defending champion Geraint Thomas and Mark Cavendish spoke about the route for the 2019 Tour de France after it was announced in Paris on Thursday (25th October).

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Next year's Tour de France will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the showcase race's iconic yellow jersey.

With France emerging from the carnage of World War I, the Tour offered its beacon of hope to the war-ravaged nation.

In 1919, the race leader's yellow jersey — which has become cycling's most iconic symbol — was introduced.

"It came straight out of the trenches, born from the rubble of a wounded France," Tour race director Christian Prudhomme said Thursday, unveiling the route for the July 6-28 race.

Joining Prudhomme on stage were five-time Tour winners Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain.

Only four riders, including Jacques Anquetil, have won five Tours; Lance Armstrong was stripped of his seven titles for doping.

British rider Chris Froome will try to win his fifth title next year, but will have to depose his Team Sky teammate Geraint Thomas over the 3,460-kilometre (2,145-mile) race.

It features seven flat stages for sprinters, five hilly ones for all-rounders, seven mountain stages — five with summit finishes — one team time trial and one individual time trial.

The big climbs start in the Pyrenees before hitting the Alps.

The Tour has less of the Hors Categorie (Beyond Classification) climbs than before - those HC climbs are the most gruelling.

Instead, the race has more of the Category Two climbs — which are noticeably less difficult and favour attacking strategies.

Sky has won six of the past seven races, often controlling them in the mountains by easily repelling attacks.

This has given the team an aura of invincibility and the race a predictable tone.

With closer racing needed, the two time trials combine for a relatively low 54 kilometres, meaning specialists such as Froome have less chance to gain significant time advantages.

The race begins with a flat stage for sprinters around the city of Brussels and stays there the next day for the 27 kilometre team time trial.

After leaving Belgium, the Tour snakes through the Champagne and Lorraine regions.

Stage 4 for sprinters starts in Reims — the Champagne-producing city where 25 French kings were crowned in its cathedral.

With the race leaving the Alsace region, Stage 7 is the longest at 230 kilometres and made for sprinters.

The next day's stage is a hilly one, with several short but sharp climbs from Macon to Saint-Etienne.

The first rest day is July 16 in Albi in southern France, followed by a sprint stage before the Tour enters the high Pyrenees.

Stage 14 on July 20 features finishes with a climb up the Tourmalet pass, one of the most famed in Tour history.

Riders tackle three days of Alpine climbing on stages 18-20, featuring an ascent up the famed Galibier and imposing Iseran — standing 2,770 metres — and culminating with a relentless 33.4 kilometre trek up to the ski resort of Val Thorens.

After the weary peloton is flown towards Paris, the race ends the next day with its processional showcase stage on the Champs-Elysees.

Palais des Congres, Paris, France. 25th October 2018.

1. 00:00 Wide of cyclists walking on stage

2. 00:04 Mark Cavendish on stage

3. 00:10 Christopher Froome on stage

4. 00:19 Geraint Thomas on stage

5. 00:30 Froome and Thomas going back to their seats

6. 00:40 Geraint Thomas

7. 00:43 Christopher Froome

8. 00:47 Julian Alaphilippe

9. 00:51 Mark Cavendish

10. 00:57 Primoz Roglic

11. 01:01 Five-time Tour de France winners Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx, and Miguel Indurain, Raymond Poulidor, French former professional bicycle racer known as "The Eternal Second", and Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme

(UPSOUND Raymond Poulidor "Between us four we have won 15 Tour de France")

12. 01:09 Pan of Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Raymond Poulidor on stage

13. 01:21 Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme arriving on stage with map of Tour de France 2019 on large screen

14. 01:26 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

"It's solid, it's tough as ever, but it's hard to take in it all when it's so quick but there are some big stages, obviously a lot of climbs finishing over 2,000 metres, medium mountain days, you know, look hard as well so yes it's going to be a tough race."

15. 01:42 Close up Thomas' eyes

16. 01:47 SOUNDBITE (English) Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

"Yeah I think that will be really nice, I've raced in Belgium quite a lot before in the past, so yeah it will be nice to go back and obviously team time trial which we are normally pretty good at. It will be nice to try and try and win that for a change, rather than second and third, which we always seem to be."

17. 02:03 Geraint Thomas talking to journalists

18. 02:07 SOUNDBITE (English): Mark Cavendish, British sprinter who has won 30 Tour de France stages:

"It's flat enough for me, it's 21 flat dates isn't it, but yes, when you've got six or seven spin opportunities that's good, that's fair and there is that, you know. We've got the climbs. I think although there's more climbing, probably more altitude metres, it's still probably (doesn't finish sentence).... 2018 was near-on impossible to reach Paris for most of the sprinters - just the position of the climbs and the layout of the stages whereas here, though there's more climbing there's actually a better opportunity for us. If we work hard, we get to Paris. This year, it didn't matter how hard you worked physiologically, we'd never get to Paris. I was sick in the end, but I don't think even if I was well I wouldn't have reached it. It's quite nice next year - I'm looking forward to it."

19. 02:54 Tour de France presentation on large screen

20. 02:59 Cavendish watching presentation

21. 02:17 SOUNDBITE (English): Mark Cavendish, British sprinter who won 30 Tour de France stages:

"Yeah I hope so. Just back on my bike now. Yeah, there's enough time to get health... to get fit, as long as I'm healthy so I'm monitoring my health at the minute and we'll see where I'm at."

(Journalist: What does the Tour de France mean?)

It's everything for me. It's everything for every bike rider. Even guys who don't ride the road, professional track riders always dreamt of one point or another riding the Tour de France. For me it's everything, it's my career, it's what I've built everything on. It's what I'll continue to do. It's the only reason I still ride a bike now."

22. 03:30 Cavendish leaving

23. 03:35 Wide pan from audience clapping to stage

23. 03:42 Audience listening

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 03:47

Reaction after Colombia's Egan Bernal became the first South American to win the Tour de France on Sunday - the 22 year-old beating last year's champion and Team Ineos team-mate Geraint Thomas into second place.

Paris, France. 28th July, 2019.

1. 00:00 Egan Bernal arriving at Ineos Team bus, fans and other team members applauding, surrounded by cameramen

2. 00:11 Team Ineos general manager Dave Brailsford hugs Egan Bernal who is then congraulated by well-wishers

3. 00:53 Fans and journalists at Ineos team bus

4. 00:57 Geraint Thomas leaning near team bus, Egan Bernal left of him

5. 01:06 Geraint Thomas taking a photo with a fan, then turning down interview requests

6. 01:24 Geraint Thomas drinking beer

7. 01:32 Egan Bernal shaking hands with fans, approaching bus

8. 01:43 Egan Bernal being given a bottle of beer, Bernal drinking inside bus

9. 01:54 Geraint Thomas outside bus

10. 02:03 Egan Bernal being hugged inside bus

11. 02:14 Egan Bernal being hugged outside bus

12. 02:31 Camera pan left over fans chanting to Bernal behind barrier

13. 02:38 Dave Brailsford lifting up Bernal's hand

14. 02:45 SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Egan Bernal, Tour de France winner:

"Yes, this was my first Tour de France and the truth is I am very happy. The truth is that this is not only for me, it's for Colombia. We have a history….the Tour de France is the most famous..."

15. 03:13 SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Egan Bernal, Tour de France winner:

"I'd like to enjoy this with my team, with my family as see what happens this evening."

16. 03:17 SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Egan Bernal, Tour de France winner:

"I don't have any idea what is going to happen. I am happy in Paris…

17. 03:35 SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Egan Bernal, Tour de France winner:

"I won't ever forget this and it's for Colombia."

18. 03:46 SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Egan Bernal, Tour de France winner:

Reporter: For all those in Colombia watching do you have anything to say?

Answer: Thank you for everything. I love you all and I am proud to be Colombian

Reporter: Are you going to be able to win more times?

Answer: I don't know. I just want to enjoy a few beers now."

19. 03:59 Dave Brailsford wearing Colombia jersey

20. 04:11 SOUNDBITE (English): Dave Brailsford, Team Ineos general manager:

(on Bernal)

"Yeah, yeah, viva Colombia! Tour de France, what more could you want? We've got a new champion, a new ambassador, what a brilliant ambassador for Colombia is Egan Bernal."

21. 04:28 SOUNDBITE (English): Dave Brailsford, Team Ineos general manager:

"Well, we'll come back next year and we'll try and do it again I think. But for the moment, I think he needs to enjoy the moment, have a party, celebrate and then try and realise what he's achieved. I think it's something historic for Colombia, very, very important I think and I'm very, very happy to help him achieve this goal."

22. 04:53 Bernal and Brailsford meeting fans

23. 05:10 People gathering in front of Ineos team bus, one holding Colombia flag

STORYLINE:

Geraint Thomas shared his emotions after being officially crowned the 2018 Tour de France champion on Sunday (29th July), the first Welshman to win the prestigious race on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Geraint Thomas won his first Tour de France title on Sunday, concluding his transformation from a support rider into a champion of cycling's biggest race.

The Welsh rider with Team Sky successfully defended his lead of 1 minute, 51 seconds over second-placed Tom Dumoulin in the mostly ceremonial final stage.

Thomas rode a yellow bike to match his yellow jersey and shared glasses of champagne with his team-mates during the casual ride into Paris before buckling down to keep up with the other leaders on the cobblestones of the Champs-Elysees.

Four-time champion Chris Froome, Thomas's team-mate, finished third, two minutes and 24 seconds behind, and rode next to Thomas as they crossed the line, with Froome applauding.

Thomas was a support rider during Froome's four victories but he emerged as Sky's strongest rider in this race when Froome crashed early on and couldn't keep up in the mountains.

The three-week race covered 3,351 kilometres (2,082 miles).

Paris, France. 29th July, 2018.

1. 00:00 Supporters applauding when cyclists pass by

2. 00:10 Geraint Thomas arrives at Sky autocar hours after he won the Tour de France

3. 00:24 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

"You know we are always thinking about the process and what you do day after day and you never think at the outcome, the reaction. It all came flooding out at me quite literally yesterday. Yeah, like just see everyone, people I don't even know are over the moon about it and it's just so flattering and incredible."

4. 00:43 Supporters applauding with Welsh flag behind

5. 00:49 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

"You know, I believed I could beat everyone on my day but to do it day after day and for three weeks, which is the first time I tried, yeah it's just insane. It's just been an amazing year and the confidence in riding on the crest of a wave, I am certainly going to enjoy this."

6. 01:04 Supporters clapping

7. 01:13 Geraint Thomas in front of the Sky autocar doing the Iceland 'Thunderclap' together with Sky Team manager Dave Brailsford

8. 01:37 Supporters clapping hands

9. 01:39 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

"I had goose bumps coming down the Champs Elysees and the Welsh flags, all the support, it's just like 'I won the Tour, how has that all happened?'. It's just mental."

10. 01:52 Supporters with Welsh flag

11. 01:57 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

"Like I said, you don't think about this part, you think about winning and crossing the line in the yellow jersey, but you're never thinking about all the people that are going to message you, the kind messages you are going to get and all the support and all the random people that are saying how they have cried seeing you win and they never met me. It's just insane. I really appreciate all this support. Obviously, it's been a tough Tour from that side of things, but the support has never shown any negativity and that means so much to us."

12. 02:27 Chris Froome with team-mates

13. 02:34 SOUNDBITE (English): Dave Brailsford, Team Sky manager:

"The great thing about this particular Tour de France is that both guys are so experienced, they are both very mature and they were fantastic together, you know, there was no conflict, they supported each other. What a class by Chris Froome. The moment he realized he was not going to win the race, straight he went to help his teammate. That's the sign of a great, great champion."

14. 03:00 Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas with team mates

15. 03:17 Sky autocar and supporters

16. 03:22 Geraint Thomas greeting supporters and entering in the Sky bus

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 03:52

SHOTLIST:

Paris, France - July 21st, 2013.

1. 00:00 Close Tour de France winner Team Sky's Chris Froome

2. 00:10 Mid Froome hugging team members

3. 00:25 Pan Froome celebrating

4. 00:39 Mid Froome inside Team Sky bus waving

5. 00:43 Pan Froome inside bus

6. 0:49 Pan Team Sky bus leaving Concorde plaza in central Paris

7. 00:54 Pan Team Sky General Manager David Brailsford

8. 01:06 SOUNDBITE (English) David Brailsford, Team Sky general manager:

"I don't think you can ever get used to that you know, it's quite breath taking really. The lads did a fantastic race and I think there isn't a better setting for cycling in the world, or any setting, the Champs Elysees, an iconic place, and this year the sun is going down, it is very emotional you know."

9. 01:22 Close Brailsford

10. 01:28 SOUNDBITE (English) David Brailsford, Team Sky general manager:

"It couldn't be better for us, the team really, the fact the Tour will be in Britain next year, I think it will be crazy with the British cycling fans. The sport has grown you know we have got some brilliant brilliant fans, and it will be just fantastic to race in front of them. I am looking forward to it, I am really really looking forward to it."

11. 01:47 Team Sky celebrating victory

12. 01:55 SOUNDBITE (English) David Brailsford, Team Sky general manager:

"We are so focused on what we do, it is pretty intense the way we work, and we ask a lot of the guys, we ask a lot of the back room staff, we ask a lot of the riders, and to be fair I think they give their all. I hope people are happy, but certainly the team and Chris is very very happy."

13. 02:15 Pan Brailsford waving at the crowd

14. 02:20 SOUNDBITE (English) Geraint Thomas, Team Sky rider (about team leader and Tour de France winner Chris Froome):

"It's unbelievable you know, I think this he's really grown as a leader, he got used to that role. I have only been around him since May, but to see him work, his dedication, and how hard he trains, and everything he does off the bike, all building up to these 3 weeks, and just dealing with the pressure like he does, he copes with it really well. He tells what he wants, and he goes out and he delivers, and we take a lot of confidence with him in that."

15. 03:00 Mid Thomas

16. 03:06 SOUNDBITE (English) Geraint Thomas, Team Sky rider (about finishing the race together as a team):

"Obviously that was special. We don't get to do the lap of honor anymore, so it was nice for all of us to come together, because it doesn't happen everyday you know, you are a kid you dream of riding the Tour and coming to Paris, but I never even thought that one day I would be part of a British team, with a British rider winning. You know, I missed that only last year but it more than makes up for it this year."

17. 03:36 Close Team Sky bike

18. 03:41 SOUNDBITE (English) Peter Kennaugh, Team Sky rider:

"From the outside, I have watched it every year since I was maybe 5, it just looked so much more glamorous than it is, the reality of the Tour de France is just pain and suffering. Even that last couple laps down there was just painful. For any kid watching at home, it is still amazing to be part of a team, I think now when you can sort of appreciate what we have done and really enjoy the hard work that we have put in."

19. 04:25 Mid Team Sky rider Ian Stannard

20. 04:30 SOUNDBITE (English) Ian Stannard, Team Sky general manager (about Chris Froome):

"He is pretty down to earth, he knows what he is doing, he is pretty calm, cold and collected. He knows when to make the right decision, and when to make the race hard."

21. 04:44 Brailsford leaving on bike

STORYLINE:

Reaction on Sunday (21 July) following Chris Froome's win in the 100th edition of the Tour de France.

Small groups of Colombians celebrated in Paris on Sunday after the Tour de France victory of one of their own - 22-year-old Egan Bernal.

Bernal is South America's first winner of cycling's greatest race.

Amid the Parisians on the Champs Elysees and around the Arc de Triomphe, pockets of Colombians could be seen waving their flag jubilantly.

The youngest champion of the post-World War II era, the slightly built Colombian with a killer instinct on the road proved to be the strongest of the 176 strong men who roared off from the start in Brussels, Belgium, on July 6 on their 3,366-kilometre (2,092-mile) odyssey that delivered the most absorbing, drama-packed Tour in decades and a new cycling superstar in the making: Bernal.

Riding a yellow bike, and cheered by Colombian fans who were partying even before he rattled up the cobblestones of the famous avenue,

Bernal crossed the line with his teammate Geraint Thomas, the 2018 champion who this year finished second.

Paris - 28 July 2019

1. Colombians celebrating near the Arc de Triomphe while holding the Colombian flag

2. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Leon Heriniseono, Colombian living in France:

"Today I am feeling really proud of being Colombian and being part of the Colombian family. Thanks to everybody  for the support from Colombia. Come on Colombia!"

3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Jonathan Nino, Colombian visiting France to watch the Tour de France:

"It is something that we were seeing for a long time because he is a prodigy back in Colombia. It's been very exciting, and we are very happy because it's been very difficult to achieve it."

4. Colombians celebrating near Arc de Triomphe

5. Woman waves a Colombian flag in front of the Arc de Triomphe

6. Colombian man waves a huge Colombian flag alongside his family, celebrating

7. Close up of Colombian flag, zoom out to the Colombian man and his family

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Lorena Cruz, Colombian living in London:

"I'm very excited, I'm very excited. This is the first time a Colombian wins the Tour of France and he's quite young, so it's very exciting."

9. Woman draped in Colombian flag celebrating

Nairo Quintana insisted on Monday (10th July) that he did not regret taking part in the Giro d'Italia, even if it has had a negative impact on his Tour de France campaign.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

After a frantic start to the 2017 edition of the Tour de France, Monday was a welcome rest day for the riders.

Stage 9 on Sunday (9th July) was one of the most eventful in the illustrious history of the event, with Geraint Thomas and Richie Porte among the big names to suffer serious crashes - the latter breaking both his pelvis and collarbone in a horror collision.

Three-time former Champion Chris Froome is currently in possession of the leader's yellow jersey.

Despite enjoying their rest day in the Dordogne region, Movistar team leader Nairo Quintana and his teammates went out on a two-hour cycle ride in the morning in a bid to keep the momentum of the Tour going.

Quintana is currently eighth in this year's Tour - 2 minutes and 13 seconds behind Froome.

He suffered badly during the mountain stage on Sunday, and admitted that he doesn't feel he has the power in his legs that he would like.

"I felt good yesterday and I continue to do so today, but it's evident that I'm not finding the same watts on my legs as I expected to do before the race. We all were convinced about my chances to shine right from the start, but at the end, it's only about the 'here' and 'now', and I didn't respond well."

The Colombian climber came into the Tour with plenty of optimism having changed his preparations, but may have to admit that the gamble of competing in the Giro D'Italia - where he finished second - has yet to pay off.

Stage 10 of the Tour de France will take place on Tuesday (11th July) between Perigueux and Bergerac.

Perigueux, France. 10th July, 2017

1. 00:00 Exterior hotel where the Movistar team is staying

2. 00:04 Hotel window

3. 00:08 Movistar vehicles in front of hotel

4. 00:12 Movistar sticker on side of vehicle

5. 00:16 Movistar mechanics truck

6. 00:20 Mechanic inside truck working on bike

7. 00:24 Bikes outside truck

8. 00:28 Bike wheels

9. 00:32 Bike frames with Tour de France bib numbers

10. 00:37 Wheels outside truck

11. 00:41 Team Movistar leader Nairo Quintana being greeted by fans

12. 00:52 Nairo Quintana taking pictures with fans

13. 00:58 Quintana walking towards truck

14. 01:04 Quintana and Movistar colleagues talking

15. 01:08 SOUNDBITE: (English) Andres Montoya, Tour de France fan from Colombia:

"It's amazing, it's amazing! You see only (the riders) on the TV and maybe if you are near to the race, the racers pass so fast. And now, here in the hotel, you meet the people, take the picture and make videos for Instagram. I don't know, it's the best, the best opportunity."

16. 01:32 Movistar riders Jonathan Castroviejo and Jasha Sutterlin on their bikes

17. 01:37 SOUNDBITE: (English) Claudia Stinfil, Tour de France fan from Colombia:

"Oh my god! Nairo Quintana! For us, as Colombians, we're very proud of him because he is one of our heroes, like a sport hero, you know, and the best thing about that guy, it's his humanity and he is a very humble guy."

18. 01:54 Movistar's Jasha Sutterlin signing autographs on Tour de France yellow jersey

19. 02:03 Movistar riders leaving hotel on their bikes

20. 02:19 Quintana leaving hotel on his bike

21. 02:29 Quintana arriving at press conference venue

22. 02:37 Quintana and Movistar's General Manager Eusebio Unzue at press conference table

23. 02:43 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Nairo Quintana, Team Movistar:

"Well, for my part, here we are on the first rest day. It is clear that now it is more about will than might. But we are still up for the fight, though, and we'll try to keep improving. We have lost some time until yesterday, and to be honest, it was only due to lack of energy. However, there's still a long way to go in this Tour, and we're so determined to do great things in what's to come."

24. 03:21 Cutaway cameraman

25. 03:27 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Nairo Quintana, Team Movistar:

(Q: If you had not taken part in the Giro d'Italia, would you be better placed today?)

"No, I do not regret it, it is clear that it is a bet you make and something different to do, we have many things to learn and many things that remain to one of what has happened and how we have always done for to get better."

26. 03:59 Cutaway photographer

27. 04:03 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Nairo Quintana, Team Movistar:

"I felt good yesterday and I continue to do so today, but it's evident that I'm not finding the same watts on my legs as I expected to do before the race. We all were convinced about my chances to shine right from the start, but at the end, it's only about the 'here' and 'now', and I didn't respond well."

28. 04:32 Cutaway

29. 04:36 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Nairo Quintana, Team Movistar:

(Q: Can you still make the podium?)

"Well right now I dare not say anything, but if I can have a good day, anything could happen."

30. 04:53 Press conference breaks up

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 05:02

Reaction from Colombia's Egan Bernal, Wales's Geraint Thomas and Italy's Vincenzo Nibali after the Colombian is set to win the 2019 Tour de France.

Val Thorens, France. 27th July 2019.

1. 00:00 Egan Bernal arrives at press conference

2. 00:07 Cutaway

3.00:14 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Egan Bernal, Team Ineos:

"To be honest, still I cannot believe it. I even didn't have time to analyse it. I think I need to arrive to the hotel, take a shower and to think after half and hour what's going on, because right now I cannot believe it. That's all… I cannot believe it. "

4. 00:55 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Egan Bernal, Team Ineos:

"The message I want to send is that I feel really proud of being Colombian. I am very proud of becoming the first Colombian on winning the Tour de France tomorrow. I don't see the hour to come back and show this t-shirt. "

5. 01:12 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Egan Bernal, Team Ineos:

(On how he will be welcoming in Colombia)

"I don't know yet, but I guess the people back in Colombia is very happy. It is our first Tour de France even though Colombia have always had good cyclist. Colombia have always producer very good climbers that have won Giro d'Italia and La Vuelta (Spain), but I don't really know what was happening with the Tour de France. It was a race that we could not win and luckily, tomorrow, I will be the first Colombian to achieve it. I am very proud of this. I am just 22-year-old. I cannot believe what happened. I cannot believe it. "

6. 01:52 SOUNDBITE (English): Egan Bernal, Team Ineos:

(About his climbing ability in the Alps)

"When I was climbing and when I was high in the mountains, I was feeling much better than in the first part of the climbs. So I think that was something good for me. Yeah I think that I am a climber and, when we were going up, kilometres and kilometres of climbing was better. So I don't know if it is a coincidence. But, yes for sure, for me living in Colombia it was an advantage."

7. 02:35 Various of Bernal leaving press conference

8. 03:19 Various of Geraint Thomas

9. 03:38 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, Team Ineos:

(About Egan Bernal's 2019 Tour de France victory)

"Yeah, it is incredible. I just said to him (Egan Bernal) 'just enjoy it, soak it all up and don't worry about crying because all real men cry'. No, it's amazing to be a part of - he is a phenomenal athlete, 22 (years-old). He has got amazing years ahead of him and it is just an honour to have been a part of this."

10. 04:00 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, Team Ineos:

(About Egan Bernal)

"Yeah, he (Egan Bernal) has just been improving all of the time and he was born to go uphill fast. He has the best team around him, to support him to do that, and I think he has got many, many great years in front of him. Yeah, he can continue to improve and (he has) a phenomenal career in front, and just keep a good team around him, and he has got a good support with his family and guys. I think he is a humble guy and yeah a very bright future (ahead for Egan Bernal)."

11. 04:37 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, Team Ineos:

(About Team INEOS finishing first and second in the general classification)

"To be one-two (Egan Bernal and Geraint Thomas in the general classification), the first time we have done that in the team (Dave Brailsford's team). Well, no, it is not, is it? Second time? Yeah, first time since 2012 (when Team Sky duo Bradley Wiggins won from Chris Froome). But, yeah, it is a pretty good achievement."

12. 04:52 Various of Vincenzo Nibali

13. 05:12 SOUNDBITE (Italian): Vincenzo Nibali, Bahrain–Merida:

"It has been such a long time without seeing a winner of just 22-years-old in the Tour de France. I think we must go back for long time to find a cyclist like him. I don't even know who it was (the last winner with 22 years-old), but for his style, someone who is light and agile, he reminds me to Alberto Contador.

Team Sunweb rider Tom Dumoulin spoke to the press on Monday (16th July) on the Tour de France's first rest day in Aix-les-Bains.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Team Sunweb rider Tom Dumoulin spoke to the press on Monday as the riders enjoyed the Tour de France's first rest day in Aix-les-Bains.

Dumoulin currently sits in 15th position in the Tour, two minutes and three seconds behind Belgian leader Greg Van Avermaet.

The Dutchman said the second part of the Tour will "definitely be a big battle."

Aix-les-Bains, France - 16th July 2018.

1. 00:00 SOUNDBITE (English): Tom Dumoulin, Team Sunweb rider:

(About the Tour de France so far)  

"First nine days were, I was feeling alright. So, looking forward now to the second part."

2. 00:07 Cutaway as Tom Dumoulin is interviewed

3. 00:13 SOUNDBITE (English): Tom Dumoulin, Team Sunweb rider:

(About the Tour de France so far)  

"We all had a little bit of bad luck but all the same, all the guys lost about a minute with either a crash or mechanical. Well, almost all the guys, except Geraint Thomas is still in a really good place in GC (General Classification). So it's e really close together and now we just need mountains to see some differences."

4. 00:36 Cutaway of Sunweb team press conference

5. 00:38 SOUNDBITE (English): Tom Dumoulin, Team Sunweb rider:

(About the next part of the Tour)

"It's going to be brutal. I saw the last two days of this three days block. I did a recon (reconstruction) of the stages and its really, really difficult. The first day I didn't see. But it will definitely be a big battle."

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SHOTLIST: Sisteron, France. 21st July, 2015.

++PLEASE NOTE, SHOTS 1 AND 4 WERE USED IN PREVIOUS PIECE - CYCLING TEAM SKY (STORY NO. 1037558)++

1. 00:00 Pan to Team Sky news conference - left to right: head of performance Tim Kerrison, rider Chris Froome, team principal Sir Dave Brailsford and rider Geraint Thomas.

2. 00:08 SOUNDBITE: (English) Tim Kerrison, Team Sky head of performance:

(Revealing riding data for Chris Froome on final climb in Tour de France Stage 10).

"That 41 and a half minutes climb had an average power of 414 watts for Chris, which was 1602 VAM. What we do know about Chris's power with the osymetric rings is that power meters over-report power by about by about six per cent - when using the osymetric rings - which is why interpretation of Chris's power has to be... you know, that has to be considered when interpreting Chris's power. But with his weight hovering around 67 and a half kilos, that gives a corrected power to weight for the whole climb of 5.78 watts per kilo. However, to go from that value to making some sort of estimates of Chris's physiology, for example his VO2 Max requires a lot of assumptions."

3. 01:04 SOUNDBITE: (English) Sir Dave Brailsford, Team Sky principal:

(On decision to release Froome's riding data).

"I just think that the... in particular I think what France 2 (television station) did, you know putting out that big headline: 'seven watts per kilo' (with) - a picture of (doping cheats) Lance Armstrong and a picture of (Jan) Ullrich, I think it was... that was so wildly wrong on so many levels that actually we just thought 'actually, we should just correct that and give the concrete facts, and give the evidence, so hopefully that people can judge for themselves, you know, why would you do that.' So that was really what drove my decision on that one."

4. 01:36 Wide of news conference.

5. 01:43 SOUNDBITE: (English) Sir Dave Brailsford, Team Sky principal:

(Suggestion that cycling's world governing body the UCI might get all teams to provide riders' power data to an expert panel for assessment).

"Over a period of time you could build the data set required to give everybody really a better understanding and a better picture of the overall situation. And I think anybody looking at this sensibly would think that is the obvious way to go. So I think it's up to the UCI to get their act together. You know, all the teams have experts, all the teams have guys working like Tim (Kerrison, Team Sky's head of performance) who are analysing all of this data. So you know there are people out there who could do this job very quickly, it wouldn't be that... (difficult). People say it would take a long time to put in place, I'm not sure it would to be honest. I just think it takes the will and a bit of investment. We invest in anti-doping already, all the teams, and I'm sure we'll be willing to invest a little bit more to resolve these kind of situations, you know."

6. 02:32 Mid of news conference.

SOURCE: SNTV.

DURATION: 02:38.

STORYLINE:

On the second rest day of the 2015 Tour de France on Tuesday (21 July), Team Sky released data to illustrate the riding power of race leader Chris Froome.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Chris Froome's team has released data about his riding power in an effort to quell new speculation about doping at the Tour de France.

At a news conference on Tuesday on the Tour's second rest day, Sky team performance analyst Tim Kerrison read figures including Froome's power output, cadence and heart rate on a final climb in Stage 10, which he won, in the Pyrenees.

Sky manager Dave Brailsford said the team decided to release the figures after an expert on France's state broadcaster covering the race had aired what he called "wildly wrong" data about Froome's performances.

Brailsford added that he hoped the release of the data would "put to bed ... some of the numbers that they came up with."

Four-time champion Chris Froome was among riders whose eyes needed treatment for tear gas when a farmers' protest interrupted the 16th stage of the Tour de France on Tuesday.

Bales of hay blocked the road 30 kilometres (18 miles) into the 218-kilometre (135-mile) leg from Carcassonne to Bagneres De-Luchon.

Tour organisers said police used tear gas to disperse the protesters as the peloton approached.

Froome, race leader Geraint Thomas, and world champion Peter Sagan appeared to be among those affected by the chemical, and were treated with eye drops.

The stage resumed after a 15-minute delay.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Carcassonne - 24 July 2018

1. Various of STILLs showing riders waiting on the road after a farmer protest interrupted 16th stage of the Tour de France

2. Various of STILLs showing protester facing police

3. STILL showing farmer with banner, reading (French) "Keep the agriculture in la Piege et du Razes (region) safe"

On the second rest day of the 2015 Tour de France on Tuesday (21st July), Team Sky released data to illustrate the riding power of race leader Chris Froome after much speculation regarding doping.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Chris Froome's team has released data about his riding power in an effort to quell new speculation about doping at the Tour de France.

At a news conference on Tuesday on the Tour's second rest day, Sky team performance analyst Tim Kerrison read figures including Froome's power output, cadence and heart rate on a final climb in stage 10, which he won, in the Pyrenees.

Sky manager Dave Brailsford said the team decided to release the figures after an expert on France's state broadcaster covering the race had aired what he called "wildly wrong" data about Froome's performances.

Brailsford added that he hoped the release of the data would "put to bed ... some of the numbers that they came up with."

Froome said: "I'm not sure if numbers are going to fix everything, but certainly I feel as a team and for myself personally, we're definitely trying to be as open and transparent as possible. I think we've been asked more questions than any other team. I've been asked more questions than any other GC (general classification) contender. I'd like to think we're answering those questions."

Sisteron, France. 21st July, 2015.

1. 00:00 Wide of Team Sky bus.

2. 00:05 Mid of Team Sky car.

3. 00:10 Mid of riders/officials gathering for news conference.

4. 00:16 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

(On the 2015 Tour de France so far):

"I think we're in a great place, I think we're in a great place. Of course, the few unfortunate incidents out on the road were a bit of a dampener on things. But since, I think, since the messages from Christian Preud'homme (general director of the Tour de France), since the messages from all the other riders and people showing their support, there really has been quite a change in the atmosphere out on the road. And it feels as if certainly the vast majority of the people out there are just there to support the race and all the riders, so that's really good to see. Yeah, looking forward to these next few days in the Alps and getting closer to Paris."

5. 01:01 Mid pan of news conference.

6. 01:09 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

(On speculation over performances).

"Obviously, we seem to cop a lot of speculation and, as you said, a lot of doubts around our performances. Why are those same level of doubts are not being cast upon similar performances from other GC (general classification) contenders? Why is it only us?"

7. 01:33 Close-up Chris Froome.

8. 01:40 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

(On upcoming stages).

"I do think that these next four stages, each stage has its own particular challenges to overcome. Tomorrow we've got the descent off (Col d')Allos and the final ascent up to Pra Loup. What have we got? The Lacets (de Montvernier) stage, I mean everyone's seen that climb, it's probably the most picturesque climb on this year's tour with so many switchbacks in such a short space of time, such a short distance sorry. And then we've got La Toussuire, which can be extremely selective also. And then the finish up to Alpe-d'Huez... yeah, hopefully it's going to go better than last time I rode up Alpe-d'Huez."

9. 02:33 Wide of news conference.

10. 02:39 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

(On release of data over his riding).

"Yeah, I'm not sure if numbers are going to fix everything, but certainly I feel as a team and for myself personally, we're definitely trying to be as open and transparent as possible. I think we've been asked more questions than any other team. I've been asked more questions than any other GC (general classification) contender. And I'd like to think we're answering those questions."

11. 03:08 Mid of news conference.

12. 03:14 SOUNDBITE: (English) Geraint Thomas, Team Sky:

(On his race so far).

"Yeah, it's fantastic individually really to be there. And the Pyrenees went very well for me. You know, I said coming in here I want to keep improving on the climbs and be there towards the finishes with 'Froomey' (Chris Froome). I certainly did that. So yeah, confidence and morale's really high and it's sort of infectious within the team, you know. I'm feeling good, you hear 'Froomey's' feeling really good behind you, you know that just sort of spreads through the team and everyone rides off that. So yeah, it's just been a great race overall really I think."

13. 03:54 Close-up Team Sky principal Sir Dave Brailsford.

14. 04:00 Mid of news conference - Team Sky head of performance Tim Kerrison on left.

SOURCE: SNTV.

DURATION: 04:07.

SHOTLIST:

Bastia, France. 29 June 2013.

1. 00:00 Wide of Chris Froome

2. 00:05 Wide of Chris Froome on static bike

3. 00:11 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

(Question: What did you see of that crash?)

"Not much to be honest, just the sound of breaking bikes and shoes going onto the road and I couldn't see where it started or anything and I just saw bikes flying around and people crashing all around."

4. 00:29 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

(Question: It must be a horrible sound for any cyclists, especially on a stage like this and so early in the Tour...what happens?)

"Again just another reminder that this Tour is about so much more than having the form and being here."

5. 00:44 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

(Question: what did you know about the coach being stuck on the finish line?)

"I wasn't aware of that. We were just told at one stage that the finish would be at 3-Ks (kilometres) to go and then once we hit the 3-Ks to go they said 'okay, no it is at the finish'..so yeah, bit of uncertainty there in the final but yeah the main thing is that most of us have cone through alright. Geraint Thomas (Sky Pro Cycling) has been a little bit injured but he is going to get that checked out now."

6. 01:15 Mid shot of Juan José Lobato Del Valle (Euskaltel-Euskadi) in Polka Dot jersey

7. 01:24 Various of Alberto Contador being interviewed

8. 01:50 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Alberto Contador, Team Saxo-Tinkoff: +NOT VERBATIM+

"No, it was typical first day nerves...these things happen."

9. 02:11 Various scenics

STORYLINE:

Reaction from Team Sky rider Chris Froome and from Alberto Contador of the Team Saxo Tinkoff Bank team following the opening stage of the 100th Tour de France on Saturday (June 29).

STORYLINE:

Reaction from some of the leading contenders at the Tour de France on Saturday (28th July), including four-time winner Chris Froome who said he was 'really proud' of teammate Geraint Thomas.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

28th July, 2018.

++++SHOTLIST AND SCRIPTING INFORMATION TO FOLLOW++++

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SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 04:06

Great Britain's road cycling team visited a British school in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday (2nd August), three days ahead of the start of the 2016 Olympic Games in the Brazilian city.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

With the Olympic Games opening ceremony on Friday (5th August), Great Britain's road cycling team are hoping to be among the medals.

A day after arriving in Rio de Janeiro, the team visited a British school in the Brazilian city on Tuesday (2nd August) and spoke about their hopes for the upcoming Games.

Three-times Tour de France winner Chris Froome is the natural leader of a cohesive and highly competitive team selected by coach Rod Ellingworh.

Geraint Thomas, winner of the 2016 Paris-NIce classic; Adam Yates, who finished fourth overall and first of the young riders in the 2016 Tour de France; Ian Stannard and Steve Cummings are the other members of the British road squad.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 2nd August 2016.

1. 00:00 Great Britain's Olympic road cycling team arriving in the media zone

2. 00:09 SOUNDBITE (English) Chris Froome, cyclist for Great Britain's Olympic team:

"The Olympics is so different to anything else we do. I mean, the Tour de France is obviously the pinnacle of our sport and every year to focus on the Tour de France that's a massive, massive goal for me, but the Olympics is just something special, it's something more than that, it's something that only comes around once every four years. And especially on a course like this, that's so hilly, it could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. So I'm really motivated to be here and to be wearing our national colours with the whole nation behind us, especially in cycling, seeing how the sport has developed so much over the last few years in Britain. We've got a lot of support from home and we want to make everyone proud."

3. 00:57 Cutaway of Chris Froome, cyclist for Great Britain's Olympic team

4. 01:03 SOUNDBITE (English) Chris Froome, cyclist for Great Britain's Olympic team:

"I think the final circuit with the final climb of eight kilometres is going to make a huge difference, but we first have to get there. We have to get there, we have to pass all the cobbled section that we have - that's also something quite new for the Olympics, to have cobbles. The climb on the cobbled circuit is also really tough so, all-in-all it's going to be a circuit for the climbers and I think we can expect to see the likes of Vincenzo Nibali, Alejandro Valverde, I think Wout Poels, riding for Holland, guys like that who can climb really well, we expect to see them in the final."

5. 01:48 Journalists interviewing Froome and Adam Yates, cyclist for Great Britain's Olympic team

6. 01:54 SOUNDBITE (English) Adam Yates, cyclist for Great Britain's Olympic team:

"It feels fantastic. We got in (to Brazil) just last night, so still a bit tired and a bit of jetlag. It's still not so long that we are here, but I am sure that when we start and I pin my number on it will feel really special. But we are here to do a job. Hopefully we are going to arrive in good condition and try and do something on Saturday."

7. 02:18 Cutaway of Yates

8. 02:24 SOUNDBITE (English) Adam Yates, cyclist for Great Britain's Olympic team:

"Is going to be a tough race, the circuit is real tough, but I think we have the team here to do something. We have many options, we have the guy who just won the Tour de France (Froome). We have guys who have won stage races and one-day races before in the past and will do again in the future. So, like I said, we have many options and I'm sure we'll try to do something during the race. It's a little bit unpredictable with only five riders, but we have the full roster of five riders, whereas a lot of teams have missed out and have four riders or less. Like I said, it's going to be unpredictable, but I'm sure we'll be able to do something."

9. 03:03 Team posing for photos

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 03:11

Team Ineos rider Geraint Thomas said on Monday's rest day that he is "itching to go" ahead of the final week of racing at the 2019 Tour de France.

Second-placed Thomas gained 27 seconds on yellow jersey holder Julian Alaphilippe on Sunday's stage 15, as a late attack saw him distance the Frenchman towards the Prat d'Albis summit finish.

Three big mountain days are still left to race before the Tour's traditional conclusion in Paris, and Thomas will be intent on making further inroads into Alaphilippe's lead, which stands at one minute and 35 seconds.

On Saturday, the Welshman had lost crucial time on the Col du Tourmalet, but his response on Sunday kept him in contention as he bids to retain the Tour de France title.

Tuesday's 177 kilometre relatively flat stage 16 in Nimes is likely to see a bunch sprint finish.

Nimes, France. 22nd July 2019.

1. 00:00 Various of Geraint Thomas entering news conference

2. 00:15 Geraint Thomas (left), Team Ineos general manager Dave Brailsford (centre) and Egan Bernal (right) in news conference

3. 00:23 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, Team Ineos rider:

(About taking time out of Julian Alaphilippe's lead on Sunday and looking ahead to the Alps)

"We stick together. I think obviously yesterday (Sunday), I said on the radio that I didn't feel great coming into the last climb. As it turns out, I did feel great at the top. But, yeah, I think the main thing is, going into the Alps now, I feel motivated to get there and really try and finish this Tour off well. It has been slightly up and down here, for sure, and race compared to last year. But the main thing for me is that I finished strongly yesterday (Sunday), and I am really just itching to go now. I much prefer the Alps - I have got a lot better memories from there for obvious reasons. Yeah, I'm just looking forward to it."

4. 01:16 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, Team Ineos rider:

(About managing his effort to remain in contention overall and the soaring temperatures in France this week)

"Yeah, yesterday (Sunday), like I say, I finished really strongly so, yeah, it's not an issue. If that is my bad day, to lose 30 seconds on the Tourmalet, is quite a good day really. And like Dave (Brailsford) said, you win a Grand Tour by being good all the way through, and managing your effort all the way through, not going into that deep, deep red zone often - save that for the final day or two. So I feel like I have managed that effort really well so far and I'm feeling good for it. Yeah I'm looking forward to the Alps now and, altitude-wise like in training in Tenerife, a drop off of watts is never really as much as most people so I'm relishing that opportunity and the heat, it is the same for everyone. I have ridden in that heat Down Under (Australia) numerous times over the years and got used it, so it is no problem."

5. 02:23 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, Team Ineos rider:

(About Team Ineos' performances in this year's Tour de France)

"Egan (Bernal) is fifth and I am second. I think we are still doing pretty well. Ok, yeah, we are not in the yellow and we are not riding on the front all day everyday. But like Dave (Brailsford) said, there is more than one way to win the Tour and this situation is completely different, and we don't have to pull when there are other teams that want to do it as well. So I think we are still in a super strong position the boys as well... Dylan (van Barrle) for instance, has been incredible, the way he has been going this year. I think he has been one of the standout guys in our team. I think everyone has ups and downs and I think it is how you deal with that. But, yeah, I am confident that we are all in great shape and a great position, and looking forward to some big Alpine climbs."

6. 03:22 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Egan Bernal, Team Ineos rider:

(About Nairo Quintana telling his team he was having some difficulties during the Col du Tourmalet, but Alejandro Valverde said that he did not mention anything)

"I think it is easier when you have good communication with the rest of the team. That has happened before, and he (Nairo Quintana) has always has been very honest. As a fellow Colombian, he told me that he was not in the best condition. I have been ahead of Nairo in the race. I think it is good for the race and for the teams (to have that competition and communication between riders). In my case, if I am ahead (in the race) maybe other riders could have some doubts, because a rider from Ineos is ahead and they do not want to help me out. I think there is a lot of strategy around, but again, the leader in our team is Geraint (Thomas) and we will give our all for him."

One of the most open editions of the Tour de France in decades will resume on Tuesday with only 39 seconds separating five riders between second and sixth, all of them breathing down the necks of what appears to be a fading Julian Alaphilippe.

With so much focus on defending champion Geraint Thomas' time losses and the emerging French challenge, Steven Kruijswijk has managed to fly a little under the radar despite sitting just 12 seconds behind the Welshman.

Jumbo-Visma, despite losing Wout Van Aert to a crash and splitting their priorities between Kruijswijk and sprinter Dylan Groenewegen, have looked the strongest team in the mountains and Kruijswijk has been impressive if not explosive.

The 32-year-old Dutchman has finished fourth in the Giro and the Vuelta before amid a series of good results, but has never managed a Grand Tour podium.

Sommieres, France. 22nd July 2019

1. 00:00 Steven Kruijswijk at news conference

2. 00:07 Cutaway of Kruijswijk

3. 00:17 SOUNDBITE (English) Steven Kruijswijk, Jumbo-Visma

"All of them are quite hard and give a lot of opportunities but I have to say the further you come into the race, the fatigue will play a more important role. Especially the last day, it's a really hard stage the last Saturday and the final climb is 31 kilometres long and it's a horrible climb and I think if you look in the morning at the General Classification it's still not decided Saturday morning and we will see a great race on Saturday in the afternoon."

4. 01:00 SOUNDBITE (English) Steven Kruijswijk, Jumbo-Visma

"The last three stages we went for 10 days there (and) we stayed in Tignes and that final climb I did like seven or eight times I think. So that won't have any surprise for me. The other stages we saw one time but that's enough for me. Especially at this stage which finishes in Tigne and you go 2700 metres of altitude and that's going to be a really hard stage. It's a long uphill climb, fast descent and then again a hard finish. Hopefully (it'll be) my day."

5. 02:01 Cutaway of Kruijswijk

6. 02:10 SOUNDBITE (Dutch) Steven Kruijswijk, Jumbo-Visma

+++For our Dutch-speaking clients+++

7. 02:51 SOUNDBITE (Dutch) Steven Kruijswijk, Jumbo-Visma

+++For our Dutch-speaking clients+++

STORYLINE:

Reaction after Primoz Roglic won the 19th stage of the Tour de France on Friday (27th July) with second-placed Geraint Thomas retaining the yellow jersey.

Laruns, France. 27th July, 2018.

1. 00:00 Mikel Landa during interview

2. 00:04 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Mikel Landa, Team Movistar:

"I've enjoyed a lot today. From the supporters and because of my good physical condition. I feel satisfied even though we couldn't win."

(Q: Do you leave with a good sensation?)

"Yes, because I did the best I could, with better and worse moments. I gave it all so I feel satisfied."

3. 00:25 Mikel Landa with fans and media

4. 00:29 Steven Kruijswijk during interview

5. 00:34 SOUNDBITE (English): Steven Kruijswijk, Team Lotto:

"It's been great for us. Today we really fought for the victory and the stage win. To get on the podium maybe in Paris.  And Primoz (Roglic) showed himself that he is really good."

6. 00:48 Steven Kruijswijk

7. 00:51 SOUNDBITE (English): Steven Kruijswijk, Team Lotto:

"Today I gave it all. I did my best. We started really well during the first week with Dylan (Groenewegen) of course.. It looks like a long way to go with the stage wins for him. But if you see what kind of team we brought here. A sprint team and for the mountains and GC (General Classification . Until now it worked out great."

8. 01:15 Robert Gesink

9. 01:25 SOUNDBITE (English): Robert Gesink, Team Lotto:

" It was an attempt ... I could join Sky and ride at the same tempo as they did but then in the end there were still many Sky guys left to do the job. So we thought it would be more wise to do it short and hard. Also of course, it was setting up my team-mates for their attacks and I am happy it made sense what I did."

10. 01:52 Robert Gesink being interviewed

11. 01:56 SOUNDBITE (English): Robert Gesink, Team Lotto:

"If I would have done GC, I would have already done something way earlier. But they were all really relaxed and it was a long way to go and it is going to be a hard climb. So OK, now you can start then I started pulling and they weren't worried. Both GC boys were super relaxed and it was good."

12. 02:17 Jonathan Castroviejo

13. 02:26 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Jonathan Castroviejo, Team Sky:

"Things will depend on how things turn out. Tomorrow will be a very curvy individual time trial going up and down all the time. Very physically demanding. It will be very tough. But I don't think there will be surprises. It will be close between (Primoz) Roglic and why not (Geraint) Thomas?"

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 02:52

Reigning Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas revealed to SNTV on Tuesday that his sole focus for 2019 is to successfully defend the yellow jersey.

Thomas won the 2018 Tour de France by almost two minutes after a battle against his team-mate and four-time champion Chris Froome, who finished third.

The 32 year-old Welshman was speaking ahead of Wednesday's Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana in southern Spain and admitted he would never have been in contention for a Tour de France victory in the "dark ages" when doping was rife in the sport.

Last year, Thomas vented his frustration at Team Sky prioritising Froome during the Tour de France, but said they now have a strong relationship.

Thomas also said he is focused on racing and is not overly concerned by Sky's withdrawal of its sponsorship of the team at the end of 2019.

SHOTLIST: Various.

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

1. 00:00 Pan from Tour of Valencia bus to the 'Teatro Circo'

2. 00:07 Geraint Thomas arrives at the 'Teatro Circo' with Team Sky staff

3. 00:17 Geraint Thomas during interview

4. 00:25 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About his focus on defending his Tour de France title)

"I think having won the Tour last year, I have to go back to the tour and to go there, not in the best shape, would be... I don't think I'd enjoy it so much. So yeah it's all about going back there in the best shape I can, and yeah trying to get the best result I can."

Paris, France. 29th July 2018.

5. 00:46 Geraint Thomas waves to the crowd after winning Tour de France

Cardiff, Wales, UK. 9th August 2018.

6. 00:55 Geraint Thomas holding Wales flag and wearing the yellow jersey

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

7. 01:03 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About the image of cycling and its controversial past)

"I certainly think that what's gone on in the past has helped clean up the sport for sure and I'm confident that it's one of the cleanest sports around. So yeah, I think that's great as there's no way I would've won the Tour all those years ago. So yeah, I'm fortunate to be at the age I am riding my bike now and yeah I think the sport is in a great period. But obviously when it comes to what people think about us and this and that... again, what can I do about it? Whatever I say they're going to spin that to how ever they want. So yeah, like I say, just crack on and go about my business as I always do."

Paris, France 29th July 2018.

8. 01:52 Geraint Thomas performs the 'Thunderclap' with Team Sky general manager Dave Brailsford after winning the Tour de France

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

9. 02:03 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About the negative publicity which has surrounded Team Sky)

"I'm not going to stand up and sing a song and dance about how I am squeaky clean and this and that. But I do everything the right way and that's it. I train hard, work hard and I have a lot of support around me and that's what I do, and obviously if people do stuff, then I can't do anything about that. But I'm sure that sort of mindset of the Peloton has certainly shifted a lot since the dark ages."

Paris, France. 22nd July 2012.

10. 02:38 Bradley Wiggins celebrates winning the Tour de France in 2012 with Team Sky

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

11. 02:51 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About whether he has had any doubts about racing for Team Sky)

"All that that was going on, even though I was part of the team obviously and close to the guys, but it was nothing to do with me. What can I do about that? Same with the sponsorship. It's not like I'm going to go out and get an Amazon or whoever to come and sponsor us. As I say it's out of my control. So I just worry about myself and yeah crack on with that."

Mallorca, Spain. 11th January 2015.

12. 03:17 Various of Team Sky riders cycling

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

13. 03:28 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About the future of the team with Sky pulling out of sponsorship at the end of 2019)

''No, not really I just leave it with Dave B (Brailsford) and Fran (Millar, Team Sky Director of Business Operations) and left all that with them. I just concentrate on trying to get into shape really and focus on racing and training and yeah they'll deal with that. And we're confident that we'll be able to find something. It's one of the best sports teams in the world. So hopefully we can find something. But yeah, like I say, I just concentrate on training and on the goals I've got to go."

London, England, UK. 8th October 2014.

14. 04:01 Pan of Dave Brailsford being interviewed

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

15. 04:06 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About his future once Sky's sponsorship of the team ends)

"As long as the team can keep going and stick together, the core of us, then that's the main thing for me. If all that did stop and we couldn't find a sponsor, then obviously it wouldn't be nice to end like that. But, like I say, I just focus on racing and training and I have got confidence that we can keep going."

Chemin de Colombier, France. 30th June 2016.

16. 04:31 Pan of four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome alongside his Team Sky bike

Mallorca, Spain. 11th January 2015.

17. 04:37 Chris Froome cycling with Team Sky teammates

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

18. 04:41 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About who is the main man at Team Sky - Geraint Thomas or Chris Froome?)

"I think we have just got to treat it like last year. Both of us get there as good as we can be and then just go from there. It'll be obvious really before we even get there. But once we are there and racing, and in the mountains, and we know as long as we don't race against each other and we were always open and honest with each other, then I think it can still work. And yeah that's the way we're going to treat it."

Dusseldorf, Germany. 30th June 2017.

19. 05:06 Chris Froome in Team Sky colours

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

20. 05:15 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About his relationship with Chris Froome)

"Yeah we've known each other for a long time now and we know how each other sort of races and thinks and things. The worst thing that could happen is we race against each other and none of us win and somebody else wins. That would be, well, that wouldn't be great. So yeah I think we can certainly make it work."

21. 05:37 Geraint Thomas leaves the 'Teatro Circo'

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 05:45

STORYLINE:

Geraint Thomas reacted as thousands of people lined the streets to celebrate his victory in the Tour de France at a homecoming event in Cardiff on Thursday (9th August).

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas says he is on the verge of signing a new deal with Team Sky.

Thomas, whose Team Sky contract is about to expire, revealed he had been courted by rival teams after winning Le Tour last month.

But Thomas, back in his home city of Cardiff as thousands turned out to celebrate his Tour de France success, said: "Yeah obviously, there's some teams interested but I'm happy here. And it seems to be working at the moment."

"I know we're pretty close, so hopefully I'll all be sorted in the next few days."

New Polish team CCC WorldTour revealed on Wednesday that they had launched a bid to sign Thomas from Team Sky for 2019.

Cardiff, Wales - 9th August 2018.

1. 00:00 Geraint Thomas makes his way to speak to the waiting media

2. 00:09 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(on the reception from the thousands gathered in Cardiff for his homecoming)

"Mind blowing. I really didn't expect this. I didn't know what to expect, but the reception was just insane. And just to see the pride in people's eyes as you're riding past and the passion. People I've never met. It's just mind blowing, you know. I kind of expected from a family and my wife, obviously, and my mates. But for people I've never met, and you know the little kids and things. And (people) wanting to ride their bikes. It's just it's humbling."

3. 00:41 Thomas talks to the media

4. 00:52 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(on whether he could have ever expected to win the Tour de France)

"No, no not at all. It was just a dream to just be part of that race and to be racing in the biggest races in the world. And obviously when your riding in the lanes and round Lisvane (Welsh town), and things, you're like 'I'm going up Alpe d'Huez here' and things like this. To actually then do it, and win up Alpe d'Huez. And then win the tour, I still just laugh when I think about it. I knew I could beat anyone on my day, but to do it for three weeks and consistently, and the way I did it as well, I think that is the crazy bit."

5. 01:29 Thomas talks to the media

6. 01:37 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(on getting into cycling and being the first Welshman to win the Tour de France)

"Yeah, that's just as bonkers really and you know I grew up just two miles down the road and only got into cycling because there's a cycle track there. And a kids club started up and went along, enjoyed it and you know here we are today. It's crazy when you think about it."

7. 01:57 Cardiff Castle

8. 02:11 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(on whether his win will get more people into the sport following doping scandals)

"Yeah, I think so and it's changed the narrative as well. You know it's nice to finally have some good news and not be talking about all that sort of stuff all the time. And yeah like I say, I just really want to enjoy this moment."

9. 02:30 Thomas talks to the media

10. 02:41 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(on whether he is happy staying at Team Sky)

"Yeah obviously, there's some teams interested but I'm happy here. And it seems to be working at the moment. Yeah, I know they had a meeting today and I know we're pretty close, so hopefully I'll all be sorted in the next few days."

11. 02:56 Thomas talks to the media

12. 03:03 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(on why he wants to stay at Team Sky, if he wants to be lead rider within team)

"Yeah, obviously that's a big role. But obviously the support you get as well. Not just the riders around you but the staff. And everything, you know. So yeah, it's a big decision but yeah. It's big but it's also kind of easy as well in a way."

13. 03:21 Cardiff Castle

14. 03:32 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(on the hostile welcome from French supporters during the Tour de France)

"I don't know, you'd have to ask the French that. But yeah, for us I think it just motivated us more, it brought us all together and gave us that common enemy in a way. You know, lets prove them wrong and let's annoy them even more. We thrived off that in a way. Obviously when it starts to affect the race it's not good. Verbals and stuff is fine, but when they start trying to grab riders and like pushing Froomey (Chris Froome) or whatever, then that's too much. But you know I think that's what makes cycling so good,is that accessibility. And you can go to the start and you can see your favourite riders and you can touch them and you can get your autographs. And you know, it's totally different to football or rugby, you know, where they're on the bus and then they just walk into the stadium. With cycling it's completely different and that's what makes it so special."

15. 04:20 Thomas on the stage holding a Wales flag

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 04:31