Once again, the “Trois Clochers” prize, bringing together the towns of Saint-Santin (Aveyron), Saint-Santin-de-Maurs (Cantal) and Montmurat (Cantal) was a great success. Early in the afternoon, on a circuit of more than a kilometer marked out in the town of the two Saint-Santins, the young shoots of the cycling schools kicked off this cycling day. In the different categories, the races were very lively from start to finish. Then, a little later, the juniors and cadets raced on the traditional circuit of more than 8 kilometers, with downhill, winding sections, where vigilance was required due to the not very favorable weather conditions. A key point of the course, the repetitive climb of the Rieutor hill caused some damage in the peloton before finding the finish line opposite the Aveyron town hall. At the end of the afternoon, juniors and seniors met on the same circuit where some 25 riders braved the ever-capricious weather. The riders from Issoire, who came in large numbers, quickly dominated this event. Despite the reactions of Marcenac and Prat Dagiral (Roanne), Hernandez (Maurs) and Cayssials (Decazeville), no one could prevent the Issoiriens from taking the first two places. Partners, shopkeepers, craftsmen, associations and “sportsmen” made it possible, thanks to their generosity, to liven up the different events and reward the riders present. In total, 66 formed the different pelotons throughout the afternoon. At the time of the awards ceremony – in the presence of the mayor of Saint-Santin Michèle Couderc, the mayor of Saint-Santin-de-Maurs Jean-Luc Broussal, the mayor of Montmurat Gilbert Domergue and the president of the heritage association of the two communes of Saint-Santin Monique Sanchez –, a drink was offered to each of the competitors of the cycling schools. The various winners received bouquets, trophies, cups, medals and various prizes.
A big thank you was addressed to the kingpins of this event: Michel Fraux, Dominique Mazetier and their friends, to Yvette for her always delicious fouaces, to the marshals and first aiders who were responsible for safety on the circuit, to the staff of the three municipalities for the technical part, to the Vélo Club Maursois with its young president, a child of Saint-Santin, Sylvain Fraux and to the members of the Departmental Committee and neighboring cycling clubs. The friendly drink offered by the three municipalities allowed everyone to meet up, exchange ideas and say see you next year.
