The town of Mûr-de-Bretagne, in the Côtes-d’Armor, is proud to be “Breton Alpe-d’Huez”. Spectators come from far away and sometimes as neighbors, this Sunday, June 27. Without knowing that they are preparing to witness a historic moment: victory by Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) during the second stage of the Tour de France 2021 between Perros-Guirec and Mûr-de-Bretagne – Guerlédan. The 26-year-old Dutchman, who participates in his first Grande Boucle, dethrones Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick-Step) and succeeds where his illustrious ancestor Raymond Poulidor failed: to put on the yellow jersey.
Loïc, blue eyes, short stature and devastating humor, now retired, will have lived this moment. The septuagenarian was in his career in turn “Farm boy, truck driver and restaurateur”. He joined Matignon, in the country of Lamballe (Côtes-d’Armor), in a motorhome, to take place on Wednesday at the exit of the town before attending the ascent. Cycling being a contact sport, he says, but also “Contact lenses”, according to the famous phrase of journalist Antoine Blondin.
Loïc broadcasts the greatest hits of Ennio Morricone in his motorhome: “It puts you in the mood to listen The good, the bad and the ugly. “ In the game of predictions, Philippe, from Cherbourg (Manche), former company manager in “The sale of materials”, talks about runners as if they were familiar to him: “In Julian, the stage. But if it’s Mathieu [van der Poel], I will also be very happy. Two beautiful runners. ” His wish was granted.
Loïc and his “Site neighbors”, all vaccinated, did not come to Mûr-de-Bretagne to wash their liver. “First, too much mineral water fell, but it’s Brittany eh”, he advances, while the town is in the throes of a heavy downpour. In truth, the man and his six guests of the day did not remember the names of the people in the peloton. “We are not specialists, but we like the bike and the atmosphere. “ Around the table, we nod gravely.
“Is it Alain Philippe, his name?” “
It’s happy hour. Loïc tightens the table: “We only have two drinks at noon and in the evening. During the day, it’s very simple, we don’t drink. “ Deep in his canvas seat, a man suddenly out of his torpor: “Is it Alain Philippe, his name?” ” Rise of the guests. Watching the Tour in July, especially when camping, is one of the pleasures of life for Loïc. “It’s great, we drive at 50 km / h watching the wheat grow while pissing off people who want to overtake. “
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