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Tour de France: Copenhagen celebrated the riders with enthusiasm

Finally ! Denmark has waited a long time for its big departure, postponed due to Covid. This Wednesday, he was able to celebrate it in a simple and joyful way, like this country passionate about cycling. Two days before the first stage of the Tour de France (a 13 km time trial in the streets of Copenhagen), the traditional presentation of the teams to the general public took place in the sumptuous setting of Tivoli Park, a charming garden in right in the center of the Danish capital, filled with recently refurbished vintage attractions.

Between roller coasters, carousels or Ferris wheel, the 22 teams paraded one by one on a large stage, then in the paths of the park, under the sun and in front of a large and enthusiastic audience. “It’s the biggest event ever hosted here in Denmark,” marvels Knud. I couldn’t miss this. For a cycling fan like me, it’s better than Christmas! Here, we have been a fan of bicycles for 40 years”.

“Fingers crossed for Jonas Vingegaard”

Nicklas and his companion Pernille wouldn’t have missed it for anything in the world. “I have been cycling for 20 years, I would never have imagined living the Tour at home, in my hometown, one day. It’s the most popular sporting event, it’s unbelievable”, explains Nicklas, stars in his eyes and a T-shirt in the colors of the Tour on his shoulders. The youngster has a thing for Danish riders, as does the whole crowd. At the applause meter, the local champions have of course largely won. “I’m crossing my fingers for Jonas Vingegaard, admits Nicklas. It can do as well as last year (2nd), and maybe even better! »

Presentation of the riders in Copenhagen, start city of the Tour de France 2022. Pernille and Nicklas, couple of cycling fans.

Even the less knowledgeable, like Bo, are delighted with this event. This forties came from Vielje, where the third stage of the Tour will start on Sunday. “It’s wonderful,” he breathes. It’s a mythical race, which we see every summer on TV. “There has been a cultural shift in the country, which has been able to turn the page on doping in the past, said Kasper Asgreen, the Danish runner from Quick-Step, this morning. Most of the cycling community only rides for fun, it’s not necessary to compete. Half of the people in Copenhagen travel by bicycle!”

On the stage, a few runners kept their masks on, as did the backstage followers. As a reminder that the Covid threat is still lurking. But in the public, the question of the virus seems far away. Without a mask, the compact crowd, at the foot of the stage or in front of the giant screen a little further, shouts its encouragement to all these champions. “We really are a great cycling nation,” enthused Copenhagen Mayor Sophie Haestrop Andersen. We can only agree with him.

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