The tour entered France this Monday, following its grand premiere in the Basque Country; He paid attention to the development of the nationwide ‘suburbs’ revolt, down to the fact that they circulated almost everywhere, though he was sure of the security bubble protecting them. testing by regions that feel strongly protected and away from events 23,000 security agents Who will run the race until the curtain falls on the Grande Boucle on the Champs-Élysées in Paris on July 23.

In fact, on July 15, 2016, everything changed in the security of the Tour as the safeguards quadrupled from one day to the next. Islamist attack in NiceCaused 84 deaths and left more than 200 injured of various types. Except for the 2020 Tour bracket, which has since been played in September and played behind half-closed doors as a result of the pandemic, the presence of police from various French forces, ASO’s own private oversight, the company that organized the test, and Extended road and street locks near the course. Anywhere in France where the race takes place.

cultural scene

The tour is the country’s most important sporting event, which goes beyond the cyclists’ own disagreements over the yellow jersey, and which the French see as a sporting event. cultures are more attractive.. A July without a tour is like a December without Christmas for the people of France.

The organization does not save on security measures. It’s split between 23,000 agents to work in Paris. national policegendarmes (the French equivalent of the Civil Guard) and First responders to any mishap according to local law. In addition, the Tour itself is responsible for any costs incurred by the test.

All non-national roads that are normally always departmental, i.e. secondary and non-national, through which cyclists pass are cut off hours before they cross. Fans can only come from accesses that are considered gates, which are small roads or paths that are always guarded by the gendarmerie. Goals are always the same, traveling with the race every day, and like this Monday. Arrival of the tour in Bayonneescorted members of private security at access control, through fences, wickets through which only accredited persons and guests can pass, after a search of the relevant bags and backpacks, showing the corresponding VIP card, which is always nominal.

Departures and arrivals

The cops guarding the entrances to the finish area (something similar will happen at Dax, the start of the fourth stage where a similar action takes place) are accredited and welcome guests with automatic weapons in plain sight. They act more cautiously in the environment. civil police Those who wear armbands so that no one will be afraid when they see someone without a uniform, with a gun on their waist.

In addition, the hotels where the cycling teams stay are guarded by the security guards and the police vehicles are on the race track minutes before the runners. Despite this, they were unable to prevent some protests last year. environmental activists in the Alps, which blocked the path where they chained themselves and forced the runners to stop for a few minutes. French television did not present a single image of the events.

Prudhomme’s reflection

This is the only response given by those who say, “We are in constant contact with the government and are following the situation very closely”. Christian Prudhomme, the director of the test, when asked about the riots that suspended France. Here you always live in the belief that Tur is Tur and respect is maximum. But just in case, there’s hardly an inch of land left without a police presence.