Motorbikes and mountains: photographing the 2026 Tour de France

In a captivating photo essay, Pete Goding reflects on his two-decade journey capturing the Tour de France, notably the 2026 edition. His first Tour coincided with Lance Armstrong's turbulent era as he documented the race through his lens. Now, seated outside a café near the Place de la Concorde, Goding recounts a mundane Sunday morning in Paris, oblivious to the impending chaos that the world's largest bike race would soon bring.

Goding describes the unique nature of the Tour, likening it to a traveling circus that disrupts daily life before swiftly disappearing. During the Tour's first stage, he rode as a moto photographer, a privilege that has become increasingly rare since the pandemic reduced the number of accredited in-race photography motos from eighteen to nine. He worked alongside a Belgian-Italian collective, capturing moments from several stages.

The opening day in Barcelona provided minimal action as Goding utilized the Sagrada Família as a picturesque backdrop for his shots. Despite challenges, including misplacing his water bottles, he adapted to the demands of the race. An engaging encounter with a former Navy photographer added depth to his day, reinforcing the camaraderie among photographers.

As the race progressed to Stage 18, Goding's experience shifted dramatically on the narrow Alpine roads that offered little space for equipment and vehicles. The intense conditions allowed for thrilling moments, such as Richard Carapaz's explosive attack near the end of the stage, which Goding captured with one hand while gripping the moto for stability.

Stage 19 featured a historical achievement as Tadej Pogacar surpassed Marco Pantani's climbing record at Alpe d’Huez, highlighting Goding's role as he anticipated the moment at the finish rather than on the slopes. With controlled access around winners now modified, Goding strategically positioned himself among other photographers to ensure he captured Pogacar’s emotional celebration.

In a lighthearted moment, Goding entrusted a travel companion, Ryan, with the operation of a remote camera during the final Alpine stage. With simple instructions, Ryan successfully captured a key moment, reflecting the spontaneity and unpredictability that often define the Tour.

On the last day, Goding strolled down the iconic Champs-Élysées amidst the buzzing publicity caravan, concluding a memorable experience that blended dedication, teamwork, and the thrill of photographing one of the most prestigious events in cycling.