Rainy step, happy step? Before the last arrival on the Champs-Élyséesthe Peloton du Tour de France will enter the 18th arrondissement of Paris this Sunday, July 27.
A few hours before the passage of the runners, the enthusiasts invade the streets, impatient to encourage amateurs, before the arrival of the Tour Champions. The public, faithful to the meeting, savor the last step, which promises to be festive. “It was 7:30 am, I arrived, I was told that there was going to be atmosphere … it’s the Tour de France spirit.“Exclaims an enthusiastic spectator.
The excitement is palpable, and the magic of the tour operates again. The public, well determined to take advantage of every moment, do not hesitate to show preparation as a fan expresses: “Here, it’s my cooler, it’s my little camping chair. I am ready to wait until 4 p.m., 4.30 p.m., the caravan.“
Last challenge before the Champs-Élysées
This 21st and last stage of the Tour de France is not like the others. Usually, the Champs-Élysées symbolize the deliverance and the feast of sprinters, but this year, The route has many surprises in store. The journey, 132 kilometers long, includes three passages by the Montmartre Butte, a passage feared by the runners and which changes the situation for this last day of the race. The outcome promises to be more intense than ever, and it will not be the sprinters who will decide the final outcome this time.
The three 16.8 km loops, including the ascent of the Butte Montmartre, and in particular rue Le Pic, could redistribute the cards. The show will be both visual and emotionaland the runners know that this step offers crucial opportunities. We will have to sublimate themselves on these cobblestones.
Tadej Pogačar, already virtually crowned for his fourth titlewill he have the opportunity to shine one last time on the Montmartre hill? The others, like Wout Van Aert or Julian Alaphilippe, always looking for a victory, also hope to seize their luck before the passage on the Champs-Élysées. The first passage of the runners in Montmartre is expected around 6.30 p.m.
