An exceptional day for six lucky little ones

While spectators arrive in small groups near the entrance to the Parc de la Vallée, in Mantes-la-Ville (Yvelines), to attend the departure of the 21^e et Last stage of the Tour de France 2025discreet preparations are underway in a house not far from there.

Loaned by its owner to Century 21, one of the partner stores of the competition, the house was made available to the association Les Mamans du Ciel as part of the operation “A child, a bicycle”.

Offered by Bernard Hinault

For eight years, the brand specializing in real estate transactions has collected bikes to offer them to children, most often from modest backgrounds.

“You are lucky to have bikes from the store Last French winner of the TourBernard Hinault (1985), in Saint-Malo (Ile-et-Vilaine) “, underlines one of the employees of Amaury Sport Organization, the organizer of the race, when putting their mounts, a helmet and an outfit each.

Among the benefactors of this operation, a Mantais, Hervé Chazal. He is director of the CENTURY 21 La Mantoise agency, located on the avenue de la République in Mantes-la-Jolie and treasurer of the Lions Club Mantes Val de Seine.

Six children with particular fate

The lucky ones of the day are called: Julie, 16 and her sister, Lucie, 14 years old; Alyssa, 13 and her brother Noah, 9 years old; Cauline, 12 years old and finally Maxence, 11 years old.

The six had a particular history which led them to be followed by the association specializing in the orphaned management After the murder of one of their parents who are members of the police, or following female, or even victims of intra -family violence.

“I chose Children who live around the Mantoisthe other criterion was that they were available this Sunday while many of those we support are in colony with other associations, ”specifies Rosa, co -president of the mothers of the sky.

“Some lost their mother after dazzling cancer who won him in a few weeks, others have an imprisoned parent for violence. »»

A godmother who ended his Tour de France

Julie and Lucie lost their mother Sandrine Mortas, police lieutenant in Évreux (Eure) killed in the exercise of his functions In December 2014 struck by a drunk scooter driver.

To accompany the children on the impressive podium of the Grande Boucle, the president of the Moms of the sky chose Élodie, godmother of the association and corporal assigned to the fire station in Neuville-sur-Oise (Val-d’Oise) which completed its own tour de France last June in order toAlert to the drama of feminicides and Hugo Salvaing.

The assassination of the latter’s father, Jean-Baptiste, and his mother-in-law, Jessica Schneider, tragically remained in memories like the Magnanville attack, committed in 2016 by a terrorist at their home. “When Rosa offered it to me, I accepted with pleasure,” explains the 20 -year -old Staps student who usually flees any form of media coverage.

“It is cool for the association and the visibility that the event will give it. »»

“People able to understand what we are going through”

The resilience of the future EPS professor impresses both the co -president of association that she made of him theguest of honor of his annual galascheduled for November 14, 2025 in Versailles. “During each of our events, such as our Christmas evening or our karaoke last week, we bring together children so that they can spend time together,” she says. They create links, exchange their experiences. He is Sometimes easier to confide in with each other. »

Parents, too, benefit from their regular meetings. “This allows us to meet other widows,” says Quentin, the father of Alyssa and Noah.

“We can have discussions with people able to understand what we are going through. »»

Last minute technical incident

In the garden of the house provided, the fathers adjust the last rooms of the two-wheelers while the children play between them. “It’s nice to see them like that,” continues the resident of Green.

“Seeing them smile gives me strength. »»

Suddenly, one of the an airlines burst into question the short parade Scheduled to reach the podium. Fortunately, a quick round trip allows you to bring back a new frame to face the crowd of spectators and journalists. “Already that I do not like to be taken in photos but there, it is worse,” says Julie, stressed at the idea of going back on a bicycle, an activity that she abandoned since the primary after two falls and a broken wrist.

“This new bike is freedom”

Fortunately, the hundred meters to the podium is traveled by the group without incident. Then comes the great moment to go on stage. “This new bike is freedom for you, to go to college for example?” “Asks the speaker. “I am in high school, replies Julie, far from being impressed. It is especially good for walking in the paths. »»

The ten minutes of questions and answers seems difficult to live for the most shy of the group. But when leaving for rue du 8-Mai-1945, the smiles appear on the faces. “It’s a great opportunity,” said Sarah, Maxence’s mother. It is not something that all children can live. »»

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