why Basque Country supporters prefer one or the other

There are a thousand and one reasons to prefer Biarritz Olympique to Aviron Bayonnais, and vice versa. And sometimes there is none. ” Because ! », thunder 16 participants in our online consultation, intended to list the faithful of each side in the Basque Country. She placed the blue and white club in the lead with just under two thirds of the votes (63% against 32% for the BO). The minimalist argument is mixed with a few other definitives, such as “Since always” (28), “It cannot be explained” (3) and “An obvious fact” (2).

These slightly esoteric justifications, however, are not the majority among the 8,194 responses received during the survey carried out via sudouest.fr between November 7 and 30. Of which 6,107 gave rise to more developed comments (4,116 by pro-Bayonnais, 1991 by Biarritz supporters). Many still contain an emotional dimension, this something intangible that palpitates: the “heart”, a term found 612 times, 417 for Rowing, 195 for BO, exactly the same percentage compared to the number of votes of each person ( 10%). The family link, that of the father, the uncle or the Aitatxi, former player and/or initiator on the oval, also comes up frequently (293), proportionally more among the red and white fades (6% against 4%).

The most Basque of the Basques

Next come rational reasons, or those that claim to be so. Thus the claimed “basquitude”, each camp being convinced of being more “Basque” than the other. The occurrence of the keyword is 459, shared almost equally (7% Rowing, 8% BO). In fact, Bayonne has more Basque and/or club-trained players in its ranks, 12 against 8 (1), but regularly stammers its rare communications in Basque or relating to the territory, a skill better mastered on Aguilera's side.

The Avironards first explain their support by two terms synonymous with human warmth: “atmosphere” (659 votes) and “fervor” (265), which galvanize 22% of them (16% and 6%). Two specificities almost absent among BO enthusiasts (28 in total, 1%). The latter favor the “prize list” (77) of their club – 5 Brennus against 3 – and its “history” (133), or 11% of the motivations put forward (3% in Bayonne). The two neighbors are equally convinced of being the “best” (128/68, 3% each).

Popular criticism

Despite the increase in prices in recent seasons, rowing enthusiasts still see Jean-Dauger as a “popular” refuge (175 occurrences, 4%). As opposed to the supposed “bling-bling” and “bohemian” side of the BO, which emerges from the remarks. It should be noted that if the blue and white are defined for many by their roots – birth or belonging to Bayonne (201; 5%) – a good part of them also need to compare themselves to the close cousin red and white. More than the opposite.

The vote finally comes down to personal matters for some. The memory of an action or a player: Serge Blanco, Imanol Harinordoquy, Dimitri Yachvili at BO, Peio Dospital, Jean Iraçabal or Richard Dourthe at Rowing. Love is not on command, even if it commands sometimes. Three participants received Rowing as a dowry: “My wife is from Bayonnais,” they bowed. Another – we won't say where – let his palate decide: “Because fries are better at halftime.” Tastes and colors.