Lille has become a yellow city for an evening for the presentation of the runners

The 184 runners who will start from the Tour de France on Saturday were presented on the Grand Place, in front of a crowd from number.

After Copenhagen, Bilbao and Florence, Lille wants to be up to the big start, and it started well. Under the protection of the goddess, perched on her column in the heart of the Grand Place, the runners of the Tour de France received the blessing of this Lille emblem and spectators, who came by thousands, Thursday, July 3. The stars of the Grande Boucle paraded for the traditional presentation of the teams on a less traditional circular scene, before officially starting on Saturday.

The European Metropolis of Lille (MEL) had called the spectators to come “All in yellow!”, And the public, well helped by the supply of t-shirts and yellow caps, responded. Some 12,000 people took possession of the famous big place, in addition to a few additional thousands spread over the streets of the parade, which therefore formed a yellow fresco around the runners.

Among them, connoisseurs, like Patrick, a fan of cycling from Mont Saint-Michel to share his passion with his little daughter, or simple inhabitants of the region who came to enjoy the event, like Nathalie, accompanied by her brother Christophe and his nephew Arthur, 12, to please the collegeian passionate about bicycle, in surprise after the lessons. An intergenerational event, therefore, that Sylvain, who came with his sons, appreciates. “It's family and popular, like the spirit of the North”he underlines, before specifically applauding the Cofidis team, the local of the stage, whose racing service is based in Bondues, about ten kilometers from Lille, and who was happy to open the parade.

“The welcome is incredible, we feel at home”enjoyed Benjamin Thomas, the runner of the northern team at the microphone. “I have the impression of reliving the fervor of the Olympic Games a little, I think that the Lille have been waiting for this big departure for a long time”he then rejoiced in front of the press. “For us it's colossal, wonderful. It's more than pride to welcome the tour with usconfirms Jean-Pierre, a fan of cycling from Bethune, where the big loop will pass twice over the first three stages. We had the classic season in the region, and it's a bit like the final bouquet “.

French people therefore mainly garnished the crowd massaged on the Grand Place, but the Belgians, who came to neighbors, also knew how to be heard. “It is the second largest competition after the football world cup”assures Jean, a bordering, alongside his son Rafael, Belgian jersey put on a t-shirt bearing the image of the double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel. Because the Belgian runner of Sudal Quick-Step was eagerly awaited by his audience. “He's the star, he is sure of himself, he has panache. He gave a boost to Belgian cycling, all the children are crazy”adds Jean.

At the applaudimeter, Remco Evenepoel therefore won, with Julian Alaphilippe on the French side, but also Mathieu van der Poel, and Tadej Pogacar. Slovenian, who knows how to be loved by the public, even tried a few words in French. A “Good evening Lille! How are you?”which has only increased the decibels of the ovation he received. THE “Wake -up dream and immense happiness” From the new mayor of Lille, Arnaud Deslandes, will continue on Saturday, with thousands of spectators again expected by the roads on the first three stages in the North, which will still be keen to show that it is a bicycle land.