1:50 PM, broadcast starts on France 2, Alain, server at Master Home: “I change the channel but I know no one will watch. People prefer to stay on the terrace to better enjoy their drinks or go to the beach. Thankfully for us, the Tour de France is not a selling point to attract additional customers…” The assessment is harsh but the reality is there, the people of Nice are not interested in the Tour, far from the fervor found along the roads and far from the excitement surrounding football and rugby matches. Yanis, a student on vacation, shares the same sentiment: “Honestly, the Tour de France doesn’t interest me, it’s long, and it’s boring to death. Besides, what’s the point of watching guys, all doped up, fighting to come in first? I know they’re in the region today, but I’m not going to drop everything for that…”
The intention, on the side of Ma Nolan’s Irish Pub, is similar, all the televisions are on but not a soul in front of them. On the other hand, the widely sunlit terrace this afternoon is packed. “Here, we broadcast any sport, even cycling. But it must be said that the Tour de France is the least liked by our customers. Tourists aren’t here to watch television. And the locals are not affected by this sporting event…”
The victory of Frenchman Cyril Dessel in front of his compatriot Sandy Casar almost went unnoticed on the terraces of Nice. Beaches, work, or a lack of love for cycling: there are many reasons to explain the lack of enthusiasm.
For years, the organization of the Tour de France has tried to maintain the popular image of this sporting event, but the people of Nice let them down this year, just like the President of the Republic who, as planned, did not attend, in Saint Etienne de Tinée.
And what do you think of the Tour?
Nice-Premium gave the floor to some local personalities
Elodie Jomat, bicycle lover and former PRG candidate in the legislative elections
NP: Will you follow today’s stage between Cuneo and Jausiers?
I had planned to be there… and even to do part of the stage the day before, by bicycle! Unfortunately, my professional obligations did not allow me to be present. So I will just have to follow the summary tonight on the internet…
NP: What does the Tour de France mean to you?
It’s an essential sporting event, an institution, a festive moment to be shared with family or friends, at home or along the roads. It is also an opportunity to rediscover our country, its landscapes, its traditions, its history… Thanks to the sports commentators!
NP: The Tour = doping. How can we curb this scourge?
Doping has always existed and not just in cycling. I think that this constant suspicion has allowed cycling to take the lead on this scourge. Nowadays, the leaders of this sport are doing everything to restore its former glory. The 2008 Tour is proof of this…
NP: Which cyclists have thrilled you?
Thomas Voeckler, this French rider who managed to keep the yellow jersey for ten days in 2004!
Camille Muffat, swimmer from Nice, selected for the Olympic Games
NP: Will you follow today’s stage between Cuneo and Jausiers?
I watch a few stages because my brother, a cycling enthusiast, doesn’t miss any. But often I have training during the stage of the day. My father and my 14-year-old brother went to this stage to see the Tour go by and to tackle one or two passes between today and tomorrow.
NP: What does the Tour de France mean to you?
For me, it represents the most famous of all cycling races. But also doping… Every year it’s at this event that many of them get caught.
NP: The Tour = doping. How can we curb this scourge?
Doping has been in this sport for so long that I don’t think it will decrease. There are probably some clean cyclists, but we mainly remember all the known doping cases, hence we assume there are many more who are doped but ahead of the known methods…
NP: Which cyclists have thrilled you?
As I said, I’m not really into it, but thanks to my little brother who loves it, I inevitably know a few cyclists. At the moment his idols are the Schleck brothers, with a preference for Andy and I share this opinion.
