By winning at Mûr-de-Bretagne on Sunday during the second stage of the Tour de France and by donning the yellow tunic, Mathieu van der Poel had already dedicated his success to his grandfather Raymond Poulidor, the man who does not had never worn the yellow jersey in his career.
But words and tears are not enough for the Dutch.
Leaving Lorient for the third stage, he had a tribute message for his grandfather inscribed on the frame of his bike, painted yellow for the occasion.
“Come on Poupou.
Fourteen Tours, seven stage wins, three second place, five third place.
The yellow jersey had never been worn until now.
Come on Mathieu.
To recall a piece of news that, from generation to generation, nothing is forgotten among the Poulidors.
It's all about yellow today 💛✌️ # TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/Wfi1rSw7x2
- Alpecin-Fenix Cycling Team (@AlpecinFenix) June 28, 2021
The memory of his grandfather, engraved on his bike, will therefore accompany his grandson throughout the stage.
And probably until he loses his leader's jersey.