Good Friday, against the clock

The Tour of Uruguay bicycle race (the Vuelta) had its against-the-clock étage in Carrasco last Friday. Often this étage defines the whole race. One racer is started alone, every minute or so. They must fight the wind alone - if they meet another racer, they must run separately. Even so, the winner made something around 49 km/h average, which is faster than I have ever gone on a bike, let alone keeping such a pace for more than half an hour.

Racers start from a small wooden cage, after registering at a table nearby. Looks a bit quaint to unexperienced eyes.



A helper holds the bike straight from the back, while the starter counts down the seconds. The faces show concentration. Yes, that hand is under the seat.



The last five seconds are given with hand signs, five, four, three, two, one, GO!



Lots of people in the Rambla, a wonderful day. There were teams from many countries.



Close to the starting area, the teams parked their vans and buses. Modern technology let bikers warm without moving. Here, the Avai team from Brazil.



Thanks to the organizers for bringing this show to us Montevideanos!

Candombe in Malvín, once more.

Fall season is back, bringing the last Candombe parade in Montevideo. It takes place in the Malvin area, along Rivera avenue.

The parade colors are stunning, but I chose to use black and white this year.

Lots of enthusiasm this year - more of an amateur and family feeling, a popular feast - and full rythm as always.



The old dancers are my favorite subjects in these parades. They move with agility, even though they simulate back aches and arthritis, and most of them are very elegant dancers.





I like to watch the preparations for the parade. All the effort that the amateur groups develop for their show is plainly in view. It all takes place in a small area, close to the beginning of the parade.

For instance, a group of girls check their makeup.





Nearby, a dance group poses for the photographers...





...while drums get tuned to the heat of a small fire, improvised with old newspapers and small firewood.





Everybody was taking pictures, even with toys - this little girl was assisting her enthusiastic mother.





Glad to be part of it, and thanks for looking!

Technical: Minolta Hi-Matic 9, an old rangefinder camera launched back in 1966. Film: Ilford Pan 400, developed in Rodinal 1+50.