Tour de France in Denmark – Grandiose audience, hustle and bustle in the field and two victories of fate – Sport


contents

The 3-day tour start in Denmark triggered enthusiasm – among fans and drivers alike.

The first efforts to bring the Tour de France to Denmark date back more than 20 years. Triggered by the euphoria of Bjarne Riis’ overall victory, the idea first came up. Now it worked with the Grand Départ. And the euphoria in the northernmost host country so far could not have been greater.

The Danish cycling fans didn’t just line the streets. At times, you almost thought you were on your way up to the Alpe d’Huez, the people were so crowded in several rows one behind the other at the roadside. Where roadside is a good keyword.

They all stood nicely on the side of the road. Just like out of a picture book, that’s exactly what one would wish for cycling fans.

The field of drivers was full of praise for the Danish spectators. “They were super enthusiastic, also fair and it was great fun the 3 days here,” said Silvan Dillier on Sunday evening before moving to France. “The fans respected the street, we had enough space,” said the Aargauer from the Alpecin-Fenix ​​team.

Stefan Küng was also enthusiastic. «A unique audience. It was incredible with all these people on the side of the road, the enthusiasm that you feel, the joy. It was terrific, »enthused the Thurgau. The Groupama professional also emphasized the respect and fairness of the viewers. “They all stood nicely on the side of the road. Just like out of a picture book, that’s exactly how you want cycling fans to be.”

Don’t lose any time

As always, the start of the tour was also associated with a certain hectic pace, true to the motto: In the first few days you can’t win the tour, but you can lose. However, the big favorites were spared a fall, which meant a lot of work for their respective teammates. “These were stressful days, as we expected,” concluded Marc Hirschi.

The man from Bern, who drives for the big favorite Tadej Pogacar for UAE Team Emirates, went down on the second stage and suffered from knee pain on Sunday. “There were a few falls, but we got through it well. Tadej is at the forefront.”

Two special victories – and a special story

Two riders, Fabio Jakobsen and Dylan Groenewegen, who were involved in one of the worst crashes in cycling history two years ago, also made the headlines in Denmark. Fate would have it that the two Dutch sprinters won a stage back to back. Jakobsen, who narrowly escaped death after the crash in Poland, won on the second day, while Groenewegen, who caused the accident and was long considered persona non grata, won on the third day.

Also worth mentioning is the story of Magnus Cort Nielsen. The Dane, who, like Stefan Bissegger, drives for the EF Education team, was part of the breakaway group that originally consisted of four riders on Saturday and had won all three mountain prize classifications.

The day after, Cort Nielsen again pulled away from the field immediately after the start in Vejle. Although nobody wanted to join him in the leading group, the 29-year-old went through with it. Before he was caught 50km from the finish in Sönderborg, the 2018 stage winner won three more fourth category climbs. The red dot jersey will remain in his possession for the time being.

Magnus Cort Nielsen is enthusiastically celebrated by the Danish audience.

Legend:

Visibly enjoyed the drive through his homeland

Magnus Cort Nielsen is enthusiastically celebrated by the Danish audience.

Keystone/EPO Ritzau Scanpix/Nils Meilvang

source site-72