This Saturday, July 6th marked the grand departure for the Étape du Tour de France for amateurs. More than 10,000 participants embarked on 138 km of cycling with 4,600 meters of elevation between Nice and the Col de la Couillole. All in a festive atmosphere.
The 32nd edition is underway for the Étape du Tour de France this Saturday, July 6th. The amateurs are ready to take on the same course that professional riders of the Tour de France will tackle two weeks later. Young, old, men, and women, all are gathered for this event, encouraged by their loved ones who came to support them.
A unique experience amidst the magnificent scenery of Nice and the Alpes-Maritimes. Coming from all corners of the world, this stage brings together, on this day, 90 nationalities. It is also an opportunity to take on a new challenge with 44% of riders participating in the stage for the very first time.
The Magic of the Morning
The first rays of sunshine barely break through the clouds as the roadsides fill with enthusiasts. Families, friends, tourists, and locals, all have come to witness this iconic event. On the Promenade des Anglais, a starting arch is set up, along with a stand to check the bikes. A festive atmosphere gradually settles in.
The final preparations for the riders © Vicky Warocquier
The Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, is surrounded by participants at the starting line. Helmet on his head and bike in hand, he delivers his speech: “Thank you for being in Nice, thank you for participating, thanks to all the volunteers, all the ASO teams, thanks to all our collaborators for offering us this extraordinary day. I am happy to start the race by bike, at the head of this peloton for a few kilometers because you will all pass me. But I didn’t want it to happen in a suit and tie. So thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish you the most beautiful day.”
Christian Estrosi ready to ride a few kilometers © Vicky Warocquier
A First for Some
Among the new riders, Philippe, 51 years old: “I live in Var and it’s the first time I’m participating in the stage of the tour. It was easy for me to come, and I have a friend coming from Belgium who is participating so we’re doing it together. I’m here to discover and share.”
The race has over 10,000 participants, which can create some apprehension: “For me, there are a lot of people, maybe a bit too many. It scares me a little, but we’ll see, we’ll enjoy and have a great day,” he adds.
Riders at the starting line © Vicky Warocquier
Foreigners make up 35% of the peloton. Among them, Julio from Portugal enthusiastically shares his participation: “I come from Portugal specifically for the race. I’m here to take on this beautiful stage of the Tour de France with French friends. It’s my first time participating, and I’ve been preparing for only 5 months, from February until now. I feel super good, a bit anxious but very eager; we won’t make the mistake of starting too quickly and struggling. The idea is to enjoy and finish the race. If I manage that, it’s great, and I will come back.”
A Moment of Cohesion and Sharing
Some come with family to cheer, while others participate as a family. Like Philippe and Eric, two brothers: “We’ve been doing the stage for the 7th year. We do it for fun; we just want to reach the end and be finishers. We realized yesterday that it’s going to be very tough with the sequence of 4 consecutive passes that are increasingly long, difficult, and hot… This will be among our toughest stages, but we’re very happy.”
The crucial moment approaches. Excitement builds in the starting pens and behind the barriers. The first riders appear alongside the mayor behind the red Skoda and the devil Didi Senft. It’s 7 a.m. when the first batch, amidst a shout of “LET’S GO,” sets off on this eagerly awaited stage. The next riders follow, with departures continuing until 9 a.m. Applause intensifies, cheers ring out, “Go, go!” resound from all sides. The clicks of cameras can be heard.
Didi Senft sets the mood © Vicky Warocquier
The cyclists, happy, greet with smiles, wave, and fist-bump with Didi Senft, capturing it all on video, fueled by the energy of the audience. The cohesion and passion of the moment create a shared emotional bubble. Everyone, whether on the bike or on the roadside, fully experiences this moment.
A Shared Energy
Among the supporters, the morning is highly appreciated. The energy and joy are shared as well. Like Claire, who came to support the participants: “I’m from Nice, and when there’s such an exceptional stage, it pleases me to participate and see what it’s like. I don’t know much about cycling, but I admire these people because I’ve seen the course, and to do it by car, I think wow, doing it by bike, hats off to the champions. I’m just at the start physically, but seeing them leave so joyfully makes me want to know what happens at the finish.”
The start is launched © Vicky Warocquier
This is also the case for Florian, who came from Pas de Calais to cheer on his dad: “I came with my parents and sister for the amateur stage of the Tour de France. My father started at 8 a.m. this morning. We made the trip over two days specifically to support him in this challenge. We accompanied him at the start, and we’ll also be at the finish to encourage him in the last climb.”
He adds: “I find it truly incredible all that’s put in place for the riders and their supporters, I’ve been having a great time since last night. Plus, Nice is a beautiful city, and the sun is shining, so it’s a pleasure for this short stay.”
