As the Tour de France returns home, security concerns are growing. The unrest in France could also affect the Grande Nation's most important sporting event by the time the seventh stage ends in Bordeaux on Friday. "We are following developments closely and are in constant dialogue with the Ministry of the Interior," said Tour Director Christian Prudhomme.
How the tour reacts
The Tour organisation Aso wants to increase security measures during the stages. These measures were only partially implemented in response to the unrest triggered by the death of a 17-year-old from a police bullet during a traffic stop. The Aso is also concerned that climate activists could use the race for headline-grabbing actions. In the past, there have been road blockades from time to time. However, these could usually be removed before the peloton reached the respective locations.
How the drivers react
The situation in France is not really a big issue in the peloton. The pros are aware of the news, but are otherwise in the Tour tunnel. Only the French pros are more aware of the situation at home. "We're in the Basque Country and we're racing. But just because you're a cyclist doesn't mean you're a citizen. We are in a problematic situation," said Simon Geschke's captain Guillaume Martin. From the teams' point of view, this issue generally lies with the Aso. It is their responsibility to ensure that the Tour runs smoothly.
How politicians are reacting
President Emmanuel Macron gathered members of the government for a crisis meeting at the Elysée Palace on Sunday evening. Over the past few nights, there have been violent riots, looting and arson attacks in many cities. Several hundred rioters have been arrested every night. Macron had appealed to parents to take responsibility due to the young age of many of the rioters. The grandmother of the dead teenager called on Sunday for calm to prevail.
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