Slowtwitch staff photographer Eric Wynn shares the second in our series of galleries from the Tour de France - stage 17 from Bagnères-de-Luchon to Peyragudes.

All images © Eric Wynn, Slowtwitch.com 2012.

A title defense was put out of reach for Cadel Evans during the mountain stages.

Bradley Wiggins seems unbeatable, though some suggest he is not even the strongest member of Team Sky.

BMC's Stephen Cummings is glad this is the last day in the mountains, though he is surely disappointed with the outcome.

This group from Oz seems in good spirits despite Cadel not bringing another victory back Down Under.

Levi Leipheimer fought hard today, but finished over eight minutes back.

Mark Cavendish is easy to spot in his rainbow striped world champions jersey.

The iconic yellow jersey aboard the shoulders of Bradley Wiggins.

Just a reminder that there are mountains to be conquered.

Alejandro Valverde was dominant on the day and celebrates a well earned victory.

The team Peugot of Omega Pharma - Quick-Step.

The Trek fleet of team Radio Shack - Nissan - Trek.

Most riders seem more comfortable on the bike than in front of a camera.

The PowerBar booth is a popular stop for riders from all teams looking for some extra calories for the day.

A little kinesio tape can help ease the pain of the miles of trials.

A quiet moment for Bradley Wiggins, who has the 2012 TdF all but locked up.

The team buses are easy to spot from miles away.

The media vehicles are easy to recognize for a different reason. I wonder if the length of all those cables is longer than today's stage?

The second best part of winning - getting some time up on stage with the podium girls!

I don't think Bradley Wiggins is getting tired of this routine, even after so many days in yellow.

I wonder if, amidst all the suffering, the riders ever stop and notice how spectacular the scenery is.