It was a historic first. For the first time in the history of the Grande Boucle, cyclists tackled the roads of the Kingdom of Denmark. The 3rd and final stage saw Dylan Groenewegen win. If this departure to the land of the Vikings was very displeasing to some French people because Denmark is not France, it finally reserved for us some beautiful stages and magnificent landscapes. The welcome of the Danes, true Tour lovers, caused a stir. Back in pictures on these three 100% Danish stages.
Danish fervor
The Dane loves the Tour de France and we had proof of that all weekend. The roadsides were dense and the mad crowd especially at the passages of local runners. Roskilde, Nyborg, Vejle: all the towns crossed have adorned themselves with the colors of the Grande Boucle, yellow mixed with the red and white of the Dannebrog, the Danish flag. In Copenhagen, 600,000 people cheered on the riders in the time trial despite the rain.
The fans have also given voice, even if it means stifling the instructions of the managers in the earpieces of the sportsmen. The Danish fervor, it is necessary above all see it to believe it. Here are some examples in pictures.
– Mads Claus Rasmussen / Ritzau Scanpix
Even on category 4 passes (thus small hills), the Danes are there! Watch the video of our reporters on site.
– KELD NAVNTOFT / RITZAU SCANPIX
– JASPER JACOBS / BELGA MAG
– DAVID STOCKMAN / BELGA MAG
Crossing the Great Belt
We were expecting a terrible 2nd stage for the riders, the event showed itself more lenient than expected. The wind finally blew three-quarters face, especially on the Great Belt Bridge, the bridge of all shivers. This 18km structure could have been the scene of curbs but the cyclists finally resisted, despite a collective fall at the entrance to the bridge. We will especially remember the sublime view of the bridge that connects the island of Seeland to the island of Funen.
– Anne-Christine POUJOULAT
– Mads Claus Rasmussen / Ritzau Scanpix
– Mads Claus Rasmussen / Ritzau Scanpix
The Lampaert Surprise
The epilogue of the 1st stage was unexpected! The Belgian Yves Lampaert defied all predictions by winning the time trial against the favorites (in particular his compatriot Wout van Aert) in Copenhagen, Denmark, the first stage. Van Aert finally reclaimed the leader’s jersey the following day. This first victory on the Tour was full of emotion for Yves Lampaert.
– DAVID STOCKMAN / BELGA MAG
– JASPER JACOBS / BELGA MAG
Look at Yves Lampaert’s emotion when he realizes he can’t be caught in the time trial ⤵
Rockstar Magnus Cort Nielsen
On the first two stages, the Dane Magnus Cort Nielsen had fun with a crowd won over to his cause. Already escaped on Saturday, he launched a new attack at kilometer 0 of the 3rd stage. The race turned into a long parade between two tight rows of spectators who celebrated Magnus Cort Nielsen, wearing the polka dot jersey for best climber.
– LISELOTTE SABROE
Magnus Cort Nielsen and the crowd, a love story as you can see in the video below.
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