Climbing specialist Quintana wins the Queen stage of the Tour. In the overall standings, a Frenchman, but more. The euphoria among the Fans is rising and also the French President can be re-infected.
No matter where the Tour comes on the roadside enthusiastic Fans cheer Alaphilippe
The small ski resort of Valloire is bursting at the seams. Cycling fans from all over the world gather in the range of 18. Stage of the Tour de France. Cafes, Bars and Restaurants are colorfully decorated. Mostly, of course, in the national colors of the French. Also Albert and his family have prepared well. They arrived early in the morning from Grenoble, and have secured a place just before the finish line. “Since 10 am we are here,” says the Fan while his daughter, Anna, under a large umbrella comes out.
The sun is shining and the Thermometer up to 38 degrees Celsius. The mood is omitted, the anticipation of the Finale of the first Alpine stage is increasing by the Minute. “Last year, we have become the football champion in this year we want to win the Tour de France,” says Albert euphoric. “Julian Alaphilippe and Thibaut Pinot are in a good mood and can win both.”
Tour-Fan Albert (m.) on the target channel in Valloire: noticeable euphoria
Macron: “That would be a historic day,”
A French driver to the top of the podium in Paris? Most recently, the Bernard managed to Hinault 34 years ago. “It is a new era. Now we have Bardet Alaphilippe, Pinot, or Romain,” explains Dominic, who has built up next to Albert, his (Fan) bearings. “It’s good to have young athletes, you are good role models for our children,” he adds. The finally, again a Frenchman in the prestigious tour win, the President of France Emmanuel Macron has could even be plugged in. “That would be a historic day,” said the head of state. “I wish that one of the two brings with it the Yellow Jersey on the Champs-Élysées and the other Second.”
Only a short moment of Shock
Alaphilippe had to suffer: “A terrible stage, as expected.”
While Albert and his family, the body will try to hold temperature with a cool drink on a budget Level, fight Alpahilippe and Pinot on the second climb, the Col d’izoard, to important places. “I don’t believe that the Tour will decide today,” says Dominic. “You will save your forces for the next two stages.” The race track, the Fans on one of the large canvases, which are constructed at the track. As Alaphilippe must allow the ascent to the Col du Galibier in the short tear-off, are Albert and the other short, nervous. After the 27-year-old Quickstep-calm driver but back to the favorites group fights, the tempers quickly.
In the departure of the Frenchman shows his quality and his Fans cheer. “Julian, Julian”-along Call halls, narrow streets. Shortly thereafter, the Colombian mountain specialist Nairo Quintana rolls out as the first of them, the secures the day’s victory. Alaphilippe crossed a good five minutes after the finish line, together with the other favorites. He retains the Yellow Jersey with a 90-second lead on Egan Bernal. The young Ineos-the driver took a few seconds and pushed himself to his team-mate Geraint Thomas in second place behind Alaphilippe. “We are satisfied,” says Albert. A French victory is also to of the 18. Stage is still possible. “A victory would make us very proud,” says Albert. “It would be a success for the whole Nation, we would be very happy.”