“For the spectators, on the road, there is clearly no question to ask. I love cycling, I love the Tour, common sense indicates that we must wear the mask ”, launched Christian Prudhomme, the director of the Tour de France during a press conference in Nice, hence the race will start on August 29.
"Even if the formal obligation to do so depends on the prefects of the 32 departments crossed", he recalled.
The Critérium du Dauphiné, which ended on August 16 and crossed five departments, was a good exercise to test the barrier measures before the Grande Boucle. Four prefects out of five had then made the wearing of masks compulsory for the public.
Because if the organizers have the possibility of controlling the wearing of the mask and the respect of the barrier gestures at departures and arrivals, the operation is more complex on the road and does not depend on them.
During the various cycling events of the summer, the riders have regularly expressed their concerns on the subject. "People do not realize that when they come to shout at 40 centimeters to encourage us, there is a risk", estimated for example a few days ago Julien Bernard (Trek) on the Route d'Occitanie. This year, selfies and autographs are therefore prohibited.
A strict protocol
In addition, the organizers have already unveiled a battery of measures supposed to avoid a disaster scenario. The presentation of the teams, on August 27, will be attended by a maximum of 1,750 people seated, a figure that may be revised downwards depending on the evolution of the health crisis.
Newsletter - Most of the news
Every morning, the news seen by Le ParisienI'm registering
Your email address is collected by Le Parisien to enable you to receive our news and commercial offers. Learn more
A Covid cell of 15 people will be on deck, in conjunction with the Regional Health Agencies (ARS). A mobile screening laboratory will be present throughout the Tour, “with results known within two hours maximum”.
The runners will in particular be subjected to two tests before the start as well as each day of rest. “Bubbles” will be put in place, for example for the teams and their management, to avoid contact with outsiders as much as possible. The protocol of the finish podium will be reduced to the strict minimum.
Finally, only 3,000 people (runners, partners, publicity caravan, organizers) are expected to make the Grande Boucle, against 5,000 in normal times, according to ASO estimates.