After a year of absence, the French Alps are back with the Tour de France. For the 4th stage of the Grande Boucle, between Pinerolo and Valloire, the riders crossed the Lautaret and Galibier passes, carried by popular fervour.
The legendary Lautaret and Galibier passes are making a grand return to the Tour de France calendar. Two climbs, classified as hors catégorie by the Grande Boucle organization, have earned their reputation thanks to their difficulty. This Tuesday, July 2, the Tour de France riders climbed these two passes during the 4th stage of the Grande Boucle, between Pinerelo (Italy) and Valloire (Savoie).
A stage particularly followed by lovers of the Grande Boucle, who come from all over France, but also from all over Europe.
Cycling lovers present on site
While some spectators were parked in the Col du Lautaret, a very large number of them set up their folding chairs on the climb of the Col du Galibier, in order to be as close as possible to the Tour caravan and the riders during the ascent.
“I came back here because I had already taken this pass, last Saturday. I had come from the Marmotte route with the chain of the Croix de Fer, Galibier and Alpe d’Huez passes, in very heavy rain”, explains to BFM DICI, Gérard who came from Haute-Savoie.
“We came to support Jonas Vingegaard. He won the last two editions and this year he will win a third Tour de France. We are sure of it,” say Olé and Charlotte Hermansen, Danish supporters, their country’s flags flying on the roof of their camper van.
“I’ve never been to the Galibier before. The atmosphere here is super friendly today,” rejoices Romain, dressed in the colours of the tricolour flag. These spectators were able to witness the victory of Tadej Pogacar, who took back the yellow jersey after a lightning attack and a very well-led descent.
