after 22 years of scarcity, Canary supporters relish their return to the final

“We’ve just arrived, after 410 kilometers of cycling from the Beaujoire stadium, we had to mark the occasion!” If the final of the Coupe de France between Nantes and Nice takes place this Saturday, May 7 in Saint-Denis, it has been several days since 21,000 Canary supporters have been preparing for their arrival. to attend their first Coupe de France final in twenty-two years.

For Kevin and Joris, long-time Nantes supporters, the final started five days ago and it has to be won by the strength of the pedals. The two friends set off on the roads of France on two bicycles, repainted in the colors of the club for the occasion, towards the Stade de France. “We challenged ourselves at the start of the season. We wanted to mark the occasion because it’s been 22 years since we had this cup. When we wondered how we were going to go to the Stade de France, we is said: why not by bike? 410 kilometers later, the mines are tired, the green and yellow tape of the bike a little unstuck and the calves well warmed up. But the satisfaction is there: “It was great, we met lots of supporters, Nantes residents but also people from other clubs who encouraged us, who supplied us with a small cake, a small drink”.

Behind Kevin, a huge bear in Nantes colors is firmly attached to the end guard. Green and yellow helmet, jerseys on the shoulders and scarf on the handlebars, it’s hard to miss the two fanatics, former two-seater canoe-kayak teammates. After singing with the supporters, carrying a Stade Rennais flag, cycling without a saddle for 20 km, but also singing in honor of Emiliano Sala (the Nantes striker who died in a plane crash in 2019) at the ninth kilometer of each of their steps, the two friends hear their voices ringing out inside the stadium. A footballing pilgrimage in the form of a Stations of the Cross, like the club, which is recovering after having trembled under the threat of relegation last season.

More than 21,000 places will be reserved tonight for the Canaries. Everywhere in Paris, it’s hard to miss these funny birds that roam the city with their noses in the air. Marc, canary hat on his head, and his daughter Thelma, 15, in a yellow tunic, took the opportunity to make a detour through Montmartre. “We don’t go unnoticed but we take the opportunity to visit Paris! It’s the first time that my daughter has accompanied me on the road and it’s her first final. It’s an exceptional trip! After the semi-final I I jumped on the train tickets, before even knowing if we would have seats”.

The atmosphere is good-natured, when meeting Nice supporters, the supporters kindly room each other, before striking a pose, together, on the steps of the monument. “We all dream of something that has eluded us for so long”. Opposite, Nino, 10, closes a three-star weekend: “We came by plane from Nice and we did Disney, the Eiffel Tower and tonight the match.” The final bouquet of a privileged moment, without regret for the two missed school days.

In the subway, the supporters begin the first chants. Stéphane, Nathalie and their two children, Julie and Jeremy, came specially from Savoie: “We come from Nantes and it’s true that we haven’t been to the stadium for a while. But we can’t miss a final, after 22 years it’s time to bring back a trophy. We’re waiting to see what Ludovic Blas will do tonight”.

In the aisles leading to the stadium, the mood is festive. The Brigade Loire kop left since 7am from La Baujoire, followed by nearly 50 buses of supporters, renamed for the occasion in the names of the legends of the club: Coco Suaudeau, Raynald Denoueix. Yellow and green wig on his head, Valentin, 18, saw his first final. The last title of the green and yellow club dates back to 2001 (champion of France). “Since I was born there has been nothing. This is the first time that I have experienced a moment in history with Nantes! It is strong for our generation”.

At his side, his father Stéphane does not hide his emotion: “Living in this final with my children does something to me. I have always supported Nantes. When I was 18 I was already traveling, I experienced everything, the good times and the bad. Seeing my son and my daughter live in turn a final, that they hang on to the club and live this final with me, it’s still different.“The Deux-Sèvres family will join the yellow tide at the Stade de France this evening. Against Nice, 5th in Ligue 1, the match promises to be tight. But Antoine Kombouare’s players can count on a volcanic atmosphere, at the image of the thunderous arrival of the Canaries.