The runners of the Tour de France will not stop in the lot this year. Between melancholy of the past, hope of seeing him come back and memories of a day like no other, these Lotois return to the passage of the Grande Boucle in 2024 on the roads of the department.
The Tour de France – which starts this Saturday, July 5 from Lille – will not pass on the Lotois roads this year. The large loop peloton could be content to fly over the department during its transfer to Toulouse on July 14 in the evening or the next day. Pig bobs, polka dot and other goodies can be carefully stored at the bottom of the closet.
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Last year, in 2024, that which was considered the most beautiful cycling race in the world had invited itself to the Lot during the 12th stage, on July 11, between Aurillac and Villeneuve-sur-Lot. More than a hundred kilometers entering the department by Sousceyrac then passing to Gramat, Gourdon or Cazals. A free and popular party, as only the Tour de France still knows how to offer it, which had brought together hundreds of people – fans or not – along the roads.
“We felt privileged”
Pablo, a 25 -year -old enthusiast, had a day off to attend and regrets that he couldn’t do the same this year. “Inevitably, I’m disappointed that the Tour is not going through this year. We will say that it leaves me a bitter taste. Last year, it was a great day.” Same story for his friend Alexis. “I would have been delighted to welcome the caravan again and the runners of the Tour because in recent years they have passed badly. We felt privileged (laughs).”
To have their dose of Tour de France, the two young men who live in Souillac will go with friends to Puy de Sancy, to attend the July 14 stage. A way to continue to see the exploits of runners as closely as possible, even when they do not move in the lot. “We are going to travel hundreds of kilometers and go on several hours to attend this sports celebration which is so much to my heart and which, I hope, will come back very quickly in our department”, tries to reassure himself Alexis.
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“An incredible atmosphere”
Others remember the image of the restaurants of restaurants/bars that had lived this crazy day to the rhythm of the passage of the peloton but, above all, a very large number of bike fans in their establishments. “A crazy day during which people arrived at 9 am,” recalls Laurent Combebias, head of “Café Le Divan”, the only gourdon bar crossed by the race last year. “There were French people, English, Italians, Spanish, Dutch: a superb mixture in an incredible atmosphere,” he adds. A boost that attracted nearly 500 people throughout the day.
“Inevitably, the passage of the Tour de France was a beautiful showcase for our municipalities in terms of image and visibility,” said Thomas Sauzet, press manager of the Saint-Céré tourist office. “It is a chance to be seen in France and internationally, to be able to enhance bestsellers like Rocamadour, ATOIR and others more confidential as Sousceyrac, Saint-Céré and other Causse communes. There is no regret not to have it this year, you must also give way to other destinations.” Do we say to each other next year?
