” Hold ! It's the Man in Blue! » Every motorist, every pedestrian traveling in and around Limoges knows “the Man in Blue”.
It was with a smile, even with a certain tenderness that we passed him, happy to see that he was still there, still valiant and still in his overalls, wearing his rubber boots, and of course, always on his indestructible bike.
Figure locale
“The Man in Blue” as all Limougeauds call him, Jean-Marc Chatard for those who knew him, had become, without having asked anyone, an essential figure for Limoges. A true symbol. A webzine founded by young Limougeauds, who announced, a month ago, the end of their great adventure, even took this nickname of “the Man in Blue”, as an affectionate nod that only Limougeauds can understand.
Many people have taken a photo of him, traveling at his own pace over the decades, on the roads of Haute-Vienne. Some even took a photo with him, happy to be able to approach this true local figure.
Hit and run
Unfortunately, it was on his bike that Jean-Marc Chatard, this resident of Eyjeaux and former mason, died. This Friday, November 8, around 6:20 p.m. He was traveling on the departmental road 979, between the place called “Les Chabannes”, at the exit of Feytiat and La ferme des Chabannes, in Eyjeaux, when he was hit by a vehicle . Found by emergency services in a ditch, he died at Limoges University Hospital during the night as a result of his injuries.
“He dug his garden as he pedaled: slowly,” confides the mayor of Eyjeaux, Jacques Roux, who evokes a discreet and solitary man.
“The Blue Angel”
The announcement of his death had the effect of an explosion. On the doorsteps of shops, on terraces, Limougeauds have difficulty hiding their sadness. Everyone has one day encountered, rubbed shoulders with this character who, according to some, had an enigmatic side.
“I never knew his name, I didn’t know where he lived, but seeing him cross town reassured me. He was a bit like the blue angel of Limoges” confides one lady. “I have a hard time getting used to the idea of not seeing him anymore,” she continues.
“I didn’t know him, but I liked him a lot because he reminded me of my father. This character was a mystery to me. It’s a bit like the soul of Limoges is fading,” says Marie-Laure, another Limoges resident.
“I fish for trout in Nedde and I used to meet him often. One day he broke the fork of his bike. He never wanted me to take him home,” remembers Gérard, a trader at the Halles centrales in Limoges. “His death pains me and the circumstances distress me. »
“I think he must have covered more kilometers by bike than all the Tour de France riders since the creation of the big loop,” estimates Olivier, a municipal employee. “I remember, about twenty years ago, meeting him near Bellac. I often exchanged a few words with him. He was a great admirer of Poulidor. »
“Limoges is losing its emblem,” laments Charles, a restaurateur in town. “You can imagine the importance of this character. He had, without having asked for anything, his Facebook page, a newspaper bearing his name. He was the Man in Blue, but I have the blues. »
To all his family, the team Popular of the Center sends its most sincere condolences.
Coralie Zarb and Jean-François Julien
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