There are sports where only the athletes put on a show. This is not the case with cycling. Although they contribute mainly, the weather or the public can change the mark left by a race in the history of cycling. The oldest remember the punch that a spectator gave Eddy Merckx at the top of Puy de Dôme or the fall of Yves Lampaert on Paris-Roubaix 2022. Here, examples where spectators did not respect sporting values. The complete opposite of what happened 22 July 2023…
It all starts on 12 January 2023. Thibaut Pinot, that many call “the idol”, announces that he will retire at the end of the season. Ses supporters, affected by this announcement, immediately agree to pay tribute to the person who made them love cycling. Discord groups are then created to say the last goodbye to the Tour of Lombardy. In short, the enthusiasm is enormous to encourage Mélisey’s child during his last season within the peloton.
Just out of a very good Tour of Italy, Thibaut Pinot is not guaranteed to participate in the Tour de France. If he participates, the opportunity would be magnificent to pay tribute to the man who almost won the Grande Boucle in 2019. Especially since the Tour passes through the passes used during its training. Although the announcement is not official, the French Lose Federation and Parions Sport will organize the “Virage Pinot”.
Why a turn to celebrate a cyclist ? Thibaut being comfortable in the passes, nothing better than paying homage to him on his favorite ground. Furthermore, being a fervent supporter of Paris Saint-Germain and a subscriber to Virage Auteuil, positioning yourself in a turn makes sense. It's decided, supporters will gather on 22 July 2023 in the Col du Petit Ballon.
The day arrived, supporters gather behind the cords provided to avoid invasions of fans on the road. Such for football clubs, processions are organized. No matter how many times people have been on the side of the Tour roads, everyone supports the “idol”. This has never been seen before in the Little Queen community.. Usually, cycling fans don't support one rider but all. That day, it's different. All behind Pinot !
Although the atmosphere is festive, the wait for the runners to pass is long. Without internet network available, the fans know little about the race situation when they hear the helicopter filming it and the runners arrive. The only information known : Thibaut Pinot is part of a leading group made up of 4 runners.
Fans hold their breath when they see a runner dressed all in blue arriving alone. This is the “idol” ! It is he who, the day everyone is waiting for, capsizes the crowd. What could be better for fans than such an event? ? As Thibaut Pinot advances, the supporters encourage him from the depths of themselves and give everything to hope to see their favorite runner triumph at the finish. French television channels let the images do the talking. Beyond the silence left by the commentators' muted microphone, we await the support of the French cycling family and we see a rider advancing through a pass like a Roman emperor returning victorious from a battle.
Once Thibaut Pinot has passed, it’s as if a page has been turned. Although the rest of the runners remain to pass, the encouragement did not have the same flavor.
This symbolic moment of communion between supporters and runners, so particular to cycling, marked the history of sport. dujardin-runner-fun-800, the place is now named on Google Maps as a place of worship.
