On March 6, 1982, Lisieux faced Bordeaux Girondins in a memorable Coupe de France match, culminating in a 5-0 defeat. Now, Dives-Cabourg, a fifth-division team, is making waves by eliminating teams like Tahiti Dragons and preparing for a Round of 16 clash against Le Puy. The community’s spirit is palpable, with historical ties to football and cycling. Excitement builds as fans anticipate this pivotal moment, reflecting the club’s pride and determination.
Historic Football Moments in Dives-Cabourg
On March 6, 1982, a thrilling atmosphere enveloped the Venoix stadium in Caen as 13,000 fans came together to support Lisieux, guided by the iconic mustache of Didier Notheaux. They faced off against the formidable Bordeaux Girondins, featuring legends like Marius Trésor, Alain Giresse, René Girard, Bernard Lacombe, and Gérard Soler, all under the watchful eye of coach Aimé Jacquet. Following a gripping 0-0 stalemate in the first leg, the Lexoviens suffered a tough 5-0 defeat in the return match at Parc Lescure, marking the end of their dream. For Calvados, it had been a long wait for an amateur club to reach the Round of 16 in the Coupe de France. This year, Dives-Cabourg (National 3, 5th division) has risen to the occasion, eliminating notable teams such as the Tahiti Dragons and Saint-Denis from Réunion. Dives-sur-Mer, along with its Heurtematte stadium, is set to welcome 2,000 fans this Tuesday at 8:45 PM, broadcast on beIN Max 8.
Community Spirit and Football Culture
The atmosphere promises to be electric, echoing the vibrancy of working-class neighborhoods, reminiscent of a miniature Bollaert stadium. Goalkeeper Maxime Verrier shared insights in Ouest-France, noting, “It’s a symbol that Philippe (Clément, the coach) started singing Les corons after our last two Coupe de France qualifications. The shared values between our communities, which have faced similar social challenges, find refuge in football.” In Dives, a town of 5,100 residents, Alain Delon once filmed Gitan, directed by José Giovanni. Nearby, Cabourg, with its 3,100 inhabitants, embodies the charm of the Belle Époque and the romantic legacy of Marcel Proust, proudly hosting a Film Festival. In the stands, the collective heartbeat of the fans resonates in unison.
In the 1980s, a local brochure humorously stated, “Football in Dives, moto-ball in Houlgate, and basketball in Cabourg.” However, football has since gained prominence. In 2014, Dives and Cabourg united, proudly defending the same colors. Recently, Villers-Houlgate (N3) has been making headlines, aiming to broaden the circle with a team experiencing its best-ever Coupe de France campaign.
Dives-sur-Mer previously reached the Round of 32 in the Coupe de France in 1999, only to be halted by Lille, who were leading the Second Division under coach Vahid Halilhodzic. At that time, Philippe Clément was a player-coach, having joined the team through a simple advertisement. He still leads the squad today, reminiscing, “We were seen as heroes just after the 1998 World Cup, akin to the world champions of Dives! I felt a bit like the Aimé Jacquet of Dives… Those were extraordinary moments filled with cherished memories,” he reflected in Le Pays d’Auge.
Now, Dives-Cabourg, fresh off a league defeat against Chatou, prepares to challenge Le Puy (N2), who stirred up excitement in the Round of 32 by sending Montpellier packing with a stunning 4-0 victory, leaving president Laurent Nicollin in crisis. Ever since the draw on December 22, the buzz around Dives-Cabourg has been palpable. One dedicated supporter, Guillaume Martin, a key figure in the Groupama-FDJ cycling team, shared his enthusiasm: “I followed their journey closely. While there was some frustration about facing an N2 team instead of a heavyweight, they have a real chance to advance and possibly meet a big name in the Round of 16. It’s going to be thrilling to watch. The crowd will be there…”
Further intertwining the worlds of football and cycling, defender Matthis Barteau is the son of Vincent, a notable yellow jersey wearer during the 1984 Tour. Meanwhile, Guillaume Martin is gearing up for a training camp on the Teide volcano in Tenerife, marking his first experience on the iconic island. Normandy will soon take center stage again during the Tour de France with stages Caen-Caen (5th) and Bayeux-Vire (6th). “Stefan Küng will have taken the yellow jersey after the time trial, and we will defend it, so I’ll be well positioned to win in Vire while David (Gaudu) rides to victory in Mûr-de-Bretagne (7th stage)…” he expressed with excitement.
Before the Grande Boucle commences, Dives-Cabourg is focused on the Round of 16, a moment that promises to be etched in the memories of a club that proudly proclaims, “Here, it’s not elsewhere…”