First come, first served! Some people have understood the adage when approaching the 7th stage of the Tour de France. On Friday July 7, the peloton will set off from Tomblaine to join La Super Planche des Belles Filles, in Plancher-les-Mines. And in recent days, several fans have come in a caravan to reserve their place at the foot of the climb.
Patrick arrived on site a week ago. He left from the North with his two friends: “For a mountain stage, you have to come eight days before! Otherwise, it’s too complicated to park our vehicles. But don’t worry, we have plenty to take care of! Already, with my 30 kilos of equipment, we must decorate our caravan. And then, we meet the locals, the surroundings. We don’t have time to get bored!”
Fans from all over France
Throughout the village, several dozen fans are installed. Fans from Puy-de-Dôme, Brittany, Auxerre, Mandelieu… “It’s a mythical stage, we couldn’t miss it!“, enthuses Isabelle.
For many, it is an opportunity to meet up with friends. A sort of pilgrimage for Bernard, who came with his wife: “We’ve been coming here for 10 years, we always see the same people again, it’s a very nice atmosphere!“
– Arnaud Roszak
For this 7th stage, 176 kilometers await the runners. They will leave from Tomblaine, in Meurthe-et-Moselle, before joining Haute-Saône.
– ASO