For Guillaume Boivin, tears began to flow on the final descent, when a former teammate told him of Hugo Houle’s victory.
Posted at 8:09 p.m.
800 meters from the line, in Foix, the emotion went up a notch when he heard the name of his friend being pronounced for the official ceremony.
The Israel-Premier Tech cyclist still had tremors when he answered from the team bus an hour and a half after the end of the 16e stage, Tuesday afternoon.
“I think I bawled for half an hour,” Boivin said. It’s nice. It’s incredible. I think I’ll start yelling again just thinking about it…”
He was able to hug Houle on his way down from the podium. “I told you, bastard! Finally, I got it! “, launched the winner.
“When his brother died, he said, ‘I’m going to win a stage in the Tour de France for him,'” Boivin recalled. He’s been saying that for a long time. I’m so happy for him, it’s so deserved. He is so strong this year. It’s no surprise to anyone, I think. He was close last week [3e]. Today, there is no photo. »
Antoine Duchesne was smiling toothily as he crossed the wire. The announcer believed that the Quebecer from Groupama-FDJ was celebrating the victory of his compatriot. “I was just smiling because I was just happy to finish the stage! laughed Duchesne, who therefore learned it like that.
In the finish area, he bumped into Tour director Christian Prudhomme and his ex-teammate Thomas Voeckler, who invited him to meet Houle backstage shortly before the ceremony. Their beautiful hug was captured by the cameras of the broadcaster. Duchesne pointed to the sky, also recalling the memory of his brother Pierrik.
It’s so cool to be able to experience this together on the other side of the world. This is the first victory of his career. To win it in the Tour de France in this way is something.
Antoine Duchesne
The native Saguenean welcomed the commitment of his former roommate, with whom he shared accommodation for several years in France.
“He deserves it so much, he has an impeccable work ethic,” said Duchesne. He’s been serious since day one. He’s always been like that, and that’s always been his watchword. Little train goes far. No fireworks, but little by little it has become one of the loudest for the past 12 years. »
Duchesne believes that Houle’s victory “shows that it’s possible” to future generations of Quebec runners. “It’s not just the dream of an old gentleman who says to a 15-year-old: “Well yes, you can go to the Tour de France one day. It’s true. He did it. It’s crazy ! »
Michael Woods was a key element in his teammate’s success, sapping the chasers’ morale by clinging to their wheel, as Boivin pointed out.
Ironically, Houle had first launched to prepare the ground for the climber from Ottawa, stronger than him in these high percentages.
“With the heat and the speed of the race in the last two weeks, I thought he was capable of winning,” explained Woods, third on the stage. These climbers are strong, but I saw in their faces that they were tired. None had the will to push to catch him if Hugo maintained his speed. »
Arrived 1 min 10 s from the winner after being surprised by Valentin Madouas (2e) in the sprint, Woods had the good fortune to fall into the arms of his teammate before getting off the bike.
“My wife just sent me the video and I cried a little when I saw it. I spoke with Guillaume on the bus and he told the story of his brother whom I knew. So it’s very emotional. I’m really proud of Hugo and this team. It’s a very special moment. »
Sporting director Steve Bauer, who followed Houle during the event, praised his audacity. “Wow! In a way, he did it by himself. From executing this courageous attack at the bottom of the last climb, I guess he had something special in him today. Michael played the great teammates behind. »
I can’t say much more than Hugo really deserved it. He showed everyone that he was on top.
Steve Bauer
The only other Canadian stage winner on the Tour, 34 years earlier, Bauer believes Houle’s triumph promises to be “enormous” for the development of cycling in the country.
“It can be very special. Mentors and role models are important for young cyclists. It shows what is possible. We are not a big cycling nation like Belgium or France. But Hugo and Michael can be stars for young athletes in Canada. Let’s hope it continues. »
Sylvan Adams, co-owner of the Israeli-Canadian formation, and Jean Bélanger, co-sponsor as CEO of Premier Tech, also watched the final moments “with tears in their eyes”.
“Fortunately I wasn’t there because I could have broken his rib,” joked Adams, a native of Montreal. Hugo was kind enough to call me. It’s incredible. He is thrilled. He is completely blown away. We saw him on TV: he was so determined, so strong, no one could beat him today. He was guided by his brother Pierrik. »
“Emotional, you say? I was crying,” added Jean Bélanger, who befriended the runner. “I am so proud and happy for him. »
The two leaders will be able to tell him in person when they arrive on the Champs-Élysées on Sunday in Paris.