“When I found out about the prize pool, I was angry.
I wondered what I was going to pass for.
“With the former cyclist Laurent Roux, now trader in straw and fodder, the pride of the champion has not disappeared.
However, today he risks losing his house, seized by the court of Cahors to repay his debts.
“He and his wife Isabelle have always had their hearts on their hands but never asked for help.
This is why we had the idea of this jackpot ”, assures Talia Ferrarato, one of the friends behind“ Last Tourmalet for the land of Roux ”, a jackpot launched in support of the fallen champion of the French cycling.
Laurent Roux arrived there at the end of a rugged life course.
Professional runner, wearing in particular the polka dot jersey on the Tour de France, he was caught up in the doping process, to the point of serving time in prison.
Established as a farmer since 2008 in his village of Goujounac (Lot), he subsequently launched several activities but two fires led to the judicial liquidation of his businesses in 2015.
The man he is behind the sportsman
Launched on November 13, the kitty of his friends raised more than 11,000 euros in one week.
Among the participants, people from the two worlds of Lotois.
“Runners of my time like Laurent Brochard, in particular, gave and shared.
It's heartwarming, ”recognizes Laurent Roux, whose emotions are always“ shared ”in this pot.
Some farmers, clients of his business, also contributed.
“It's quite disturbing but my wife tells me it's because they know the man I am behind the former sportsman.
A man who just wants to stay home.