Reportage
The postcard of the Tour: a great atmosphere on the Planche!
Audio 01:08
Boosted Belgian holidaymakers on the bitumen of La Planche, July 8, 2022. © Alexis Bedu
Text by: Alexis Bedu Follow
3 mins
This Friday, July 8, the Planche des Belles Filles in the Vosges gave a breathtaking final stage.
The yellow jersey Tadej Pogacar wins his second victory on this Tour.
In this 7 kilometer climb, the supporters were there: they gave voice and heart for this first mountain stage of the Tour 2022.
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With our special correspondent at the Planche des Belles Filles,
Supporters came from all over eastern France, gathered on the side of the road to watch the climb: up to 22.9% gradient.
"
Yes, sir, I officially put the day in front of my hours with my boss
", proudly exclaims a supporter very close to the microphone, in a voice that draws to the treble.
Some have signs to support their hero of the day, in particular Thibaut Pinot, the French cyclist who pedals at home for this legendary stage.
“
Comtois surrender!
Neni my faith!
solemnly declaims an amateur, before explaining himself: “
It's the Franche-Comté motto, that of not surrendering, never giving up as Thibaut Pinot would do today.
»
Aficionados have
braved
the percentages of the Board by bike or on foot, even if many are those who prefer to walk than to pedal.
“
The Mick Jagger look-alike, there, it's been a while since he's been on his bike.
But he was good, he was good before... but that was before
,” laughs a man kindly, whose friend protests: “
Hey, I managed to get on foot anyway, huh!
»
The supporters of Thibaut Pinot the regional of the stage came in large numbers for their hero.
© Alexis Bedu
Other must-haves of the Tour: goodies, these fan items distributed by the tour caravans.
Some even came from Belgium... "
For the goodies, because we like the goodies
"
, assumes a Belgian.
There remains the long-awaited moment, that of seeing the runners pass.
A clamor rises as the first cyclists approach.
“
It happens, it happens, it happens!
chants the crowd, before cheers and applause.
Without a 4G network on the coast, the supporters listened to the victory of Tadej Pogacar on the portable
radio
.
Thibaut Pinaut, he finished 31ᵉ.
"
After us, we were hoping for Pinot because it's his bitumen, his asphalt
," explains a man.
"
In any case, congratulations Pogacar and thank you for everything
," he adds, a good loser.
Because more than the results of the French, it is above all to encourage them and enjoy the show that the supporters spend hours in full sun.
Everyone comes down happy, and ready to come back.
“
I think it's the best day of my life.
I saw my idol!
“, laughs a supporter, to the angels.
►
To read also:
The postcard of the Tour: how is a Tour de France without Julian Alaphilippe?
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Tour de France 2022
Postcard from the Tour de France
France
Cycling