After the Rocamadour time trial two years ago, the Tour de France returns to the Lot this summer with a stage on July 11. Part of this route was opened to cycle tourists this Saturday June 16. Cycling enthusiasts were able to pretend they were the stars of professional cycling over 40 kilometers.
Before the stars of the Tour de France, the cycle tourists were able to preview part of the stage which will take place on July 11 in the Lot department. 40 km like the grown-ups.
Like the Tour de France riders, they prepare for the start in a peloton. By racing bike, mountain bike or electric bike. They are preparing to cover part of the 12th stage of the Grande Boucle.
“It’s a pleasure to participate in a TDF slot.”, testifies Odile. Right next door, Benjamin set himself a new goal: “I had already done it last year in the time trial at Rocamadour and I wanted to try this new circuit.”
The large cycling loop will pass through this route during the stage, which will link Aurillac to Villeneuve-sur-Lot. For two years, the Lot department has allowed cycle tourists to take a few kilometers to Pogacar or Vingegaard.
40 kilometers of false flat, which make the legs suffer but the smile remains strong.
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© FTV
“It’s not an easy journey”recognizes Didier Chaussade, head of Keops organization. “There are, as we say in the jargon, series of moguls, which are relatively long and I think that will allow us to test the legs of our amateurs.”
All morning, 250 cycle tourists pedaled on these small roads, linking straight lines on the flat and winding climbs. Halfway through and after two good hills, the refreshment point is welcome: “At my age, I’m 75, you have to take a few breaks.”, estimates Francis. “At the finish it’s impossible not to think of the Tour de France riders.
“I think they will go 3 times faster than us”says Damien. “The ribs for us are a false dish for them. But we will be happy to watch them pass this summer and we will be able to say to ourselves that we did it too.”
To estimate the pace of the professional peloton, meet on July 11th on the roadsides of the Lot.
