In recent weeks, cycling has already looked different than normal, but on Wednesday riders, fans and followers were introduced to the ‘Tour de France bubble’ for the first time in the first stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné. And the rules are a bit stricter.
Gabriele Uboldi, the loyal companion of Peter Sagan, walks just after 10.15 am on the Place des Bughes in Clermont-Ferrand as always right next to the three-time world champion.
Normally, the striking Italian ensures that Sagan on his way from the team bus to the starting stage is not bothered by guests, photographers, fans and other people who want something from the popular Slovak, but now Uboldi is actually superfluous.
There have been supporters at the start of the first stage of the Dauphiné, but they are all behind a fence at a safe distance from the podium. Riders pass within a few meters and even if they got closer, signatures and selfies are strictly prohibited in the corona era.
“At the start everything is now protected”, also sees Team INEOS rider Dylan van Baarle, who two weeks ago during the small French race Route d’Occitanie his surprise spoke about the “fairly mild restrictions”. “It is a bit stricter here in the Dauphiné than at other races”, the 28-year-old Dutchman now says.
––
–
–
The riders first look out over an empty square from the starting podium. (Photo: NU.nl/Daan de Ridder)
‘Dauphiné is dress rehearsal for safety measures’
That is not surprising; the Dauphiné, like the Tour, is organized by the ASO and the French company – and the entire cycling world – is very keen to ensure that the biggest and most lucrative race of the year can continue without any problems.
And so the Dauphiné is not only the last preparation for the Tour de France for the riders this year; the strict ‘Tour protocol’ is also tested for the first time (and for the last).
“In terms of safety measures, this race is a dress rehearsal for the Tour,” said ASO sports director Thierry Gouvenou. “We are creating a bubble in which the riders have very little interaction with the media, guests and fans.”
“The parking spaces for the team buses at the start and the finish will be completely closed and we have a mixed zone with specific rules for conducting interviews. There may only be a limited number of people in the area immediately after the finish. At the podium ceremony. there is no kiss and no contact with the riders. And face masks are mandatory everywhere, including for fans along the course. “
––
–
–
No crowds at the team bus, but a quiet mixed zone for the riders and journalists at the start. (Photo: NU.nl/Daan de Ridder)
Gesink: ‘Strange that you cannot share a smile’
It means that the team buses’ car park is an oasis of peace next to the Maison des Sports in Clermont-Ferrand. Normally, this is the place where journalists ask questions, invite guests to take photos or admire the bikes and sometimes also where fans can get very close to their favorite riders.
In the ‘Tour bubble’, team buses are off limits to anyone who is not part of a cycling team. For the media, a so-called mixed zone has been set up in the street towards the starting podium with gates and a few posters, through which riders are in principle obliged to pass.
“I think this is the only way to keep the race going at the moment,” said Jumbo-Visma veteran Robert Gesink when he stops and delivers an interview at a safe distance from the journalists. “I think the most important thing is that the Tour can continue and that we can all enjoy beautiful cycling sport.”
“But it is also very strange for us riders that you cannot share your smile or another emotion with someone, they are always behind a face mask. Ha, maybe I should just draw a smiley on my mask.”
About six hours later Gesink drives past the mixed zone where the interviews will be held after the finish. The 34-year-old Dutchman, who has already heard that teammate Wout van Aert has the stage won, has to cycle another kilometer, but he is already turning his head to the waiting journalists. His smile is clearly visible this time.
––
–
–
At the end of the first stage, the riders will ride along the mixed zone at the finish. (Photo: NU.nl/Daan de Ridder)
––
–
–
Play along with the Tour game! For the app users: tap here.
–
