Christian Estrosi, Deputy Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, presented the awards to the champions of the 1st Tour Nice Metropolis, within the “Nice celebrates the Tour” village. 7 days of racing, 817 km, and 12 legendary cols and ascents covered. The hundred cyclists registered for this amateur race organized as part of the Tour de France can be proud of their journey.
Swiss, Italian, Spanish, and Emirati cyclists participated in this grand adventure. From the mountains to the sea, these riders experienced it all. But the pleasure of riding in the pedals of professional peloton stars is above everything else.
Arriving on the Promenade des Anglais, these amateurs had the immense privilege of receiving their awards on the official Tour de France podium. Jean Marie Leblanc, the former organizer of the Tour de France, wanted to say a few words: “There can be no great professional tours without the foundational work in the clubs. Beyond this amateur tour, I am moved as I find myself in Nice, 22 years later.”
The award ceremony took place in the presence of the president of the Cavigal sections, Didier Noto, and Daniel Pellé, organizer of this Metropolis Tour. He explains the reasons that pushed him to create this amateur Tour: “We felt that cyclosportives were already numerous in France, and the idea of a Rally Raid seemed more convivial. The idea of timing only one col per day still brings a spirit of competition while finishing the event will be a personal challenge.”
A successful bet for the Mayor of Nice who was also a participant: “I promise that a second edition will take place next year to go even higher and stronger.”
