The Mall then and now

How many of us have watched the Tour as the riders battle up the mountains,
whether it be the Alpe D’Huez, Mont Ventoux, the col du Galibier or any other monstrous
climb and seen the names of the Tour’s heroes painted on the roads?

We are told that Bernard Hinault’s name is still visible on the Alpe D’Huez (you’ll find it if you know where to look), but what about all the sponsors’ names
painted onto the roads at the finish of each day’s stage?

Well, once the stage is finished and the barriers are taken down, loaded up
and shipped off to the next stage finish area, a team of cleaners comes along and
jet washes all trace of advertising away…. well almost.

This is the Mall one week after the Tour has moved on.