Italy knows how to receive. She proved it this Thursday, during the official presentation of the Tour de France, in Florence. Thousands of spectators gathered in Piazzale Michelangelo to celebrate the biggest cycling race in the world. “We have repaired the mistake of never leaving this wonderful country.” said Christian Prudhomme, the director of the Tour, during a highly acclaimed microphone interview.
Among the riders, the first to receive thunderous applause was Alberto Bettiol, who wore his Italian champion’s outfit on Thursday. With his team EF Education First-Easy Post, he launched the parade of formations.
Another jersey was particularly scrutinized when Lotto DStny stepped onto the podium. It was obviously that of Arnaud De Lie, who showed the general public the outline of his superb Belgian champion’s jersey.
Here is the new Belgian champion jersey that Arnaud De Lie will wear in the Tour de France (PHOTO)
But in the applause meter, the Bull of Lescheret was beaten by a certain Mark Cavendish, who is competing in his last Tour, at 39 years old. “The show promises to be immense,” savored the Astana runner, amazed like a kid, at the ASO microphone.
Moments later, Mathieu van der Poel made the decibels soar when his world champion jersey was seen. “But I’m going to try to swap it for a yellow jersey this Saturday,” he said, ambitious for the first stage.
In the process, we could feel the emotion of Romain Bardet (DSM-Firmenich), who is experiencing his last Tour de France this year. And therefore, his last official presentation.
An official presentation which ended with a real ovation for Tadej Pogacar – who took several selfies – and Jonas Vingegaard, the two big favorites.
The end of the afternoon was also lively with numerous throws of goodies (water bottles, caps, etc.) by the 176 runners in the peloton. Or rather the… 175 since one runner was absent: Louis Vervaeke. Having fallen during training, Remco’s teammate and roommate Evenepoel did not appear on the podium. But he did indeed receive the green light from the doctor to start the first stage on Saturday. And there again, the sun and the big crowds are expected.
A mask for Remco Evenepoel and a positive test 10 days ago for Pogacar: the specter of covid looms over the Tour de France
