Muted Reaction to the Tour de France in Nogaro

For many foreigners, the Tour de France is the pinnacle of bike racing: it’s glamorous and exciting, and not to be missed.

When the Tour came to Yorkshire, millions of people spilled out onto the streets or took to the hills to welcome the racers in a popular celebration of the bike race. We don’t get many big sporting events in Yorkshire, and we were determined to make the most of it.

But not everyone in France is equally excited about the annual jamboree.

France 3 went to Nogaro, which hosts the finish of Stage 4 of the 2023 Tour de France. It’s the first time Nogaro has been a ville d’arrivée, and the TV station interviewed a few locals to gauge the reaction.

‘It’s very good for Nogaro, there’ll be lots of people here’.

first interviewee

So far so lukewarm.

‘For the children it’s true that it’s nice, they quite like watching the Tour pass…mostly the publicity caravan, the bikes [facial expression to indicate they’re not that bothered]’.

another interviewee

‘We’re a sporting town, so welcoming the Tour de France isn’t nothing, it’s an international showcase and we recognise the benefits that could have, and that puts our town that we love in the spotlight and we can make it known worldwide, why not?’

assistant mayor

Probably professional enthusiasm is to be expected from the Assistant Mayor. What about the café manager?

‘I’m happy about it, it means people will find out more about our town, and knowing that it’s not easy to get the Tour to visit…well, it’s an extra event on the calendar.’

cafe manager

‘What date is it? [Interviewer says 4th July]. Great, we’ll be there.’

final interviewee

I think it was the café manager with his ‘c’est un événement supplementaire’ who managed to sound the most underwhelmed.

I’m sure the excitement will have built by early July, and locals will have a great day.