2011 Tour de France stage 17 photos by Caley Fretz

HTC-Highroad morning ritual. Photo: Caley Fretz

Escaping the spectator gauntlet. Photo: Caley Fretz

All eyes on the ever-popular Philippe Gilbert. Photo: Caley Fretz

PowerBar provides a little buffet of energy-filled food right next to sign in. Many riders took advantage. Photo: Caley Fretz

Rumor has it that the Norwegian economy has taken a dive in recent days. They’re all in France, watching and winning bike races. Photo: Caley Fretz

Video wizard Steve Godwin left, Bernie center, and VeloNews.com reporter Brian Holcombe on the right. Photo: Caley Fretz

Haimar Zubeldia heads to sign-in. Photo: Caley Fretz

Start ’em young! Photo: Caley Fretz

Access to the buses is supposedly restricted, but the prerequisites for a pass seem minimal. The specatator/press scrums are impressive around popular riders. Half the time people aren’t even sure who they’re trying to squeeze a glimpse of. Caley Fretz

Cav double checks his rear brake just after signing in. Photo: Caley Fretz

Lars Bak lays back minutes before the start. Photo: Caley Fretz

Nobody likes a loose front skewer. Photo: Caley Fretz

Happy fans. Photo: Caley Fretz

Sammy Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) signs autographs before the start. Sanchez had another great day in the mountains, hanging with the best and maintaining his fourth overall. Photo: Caley Fretz