Tomorrow, the 24 riders will make the show and discover the route and atmosphere of the first edition of the Skoda Shanghai Critérium Tour de France. But in the meantime, the Tour champions were introduced to the ancient practice of Tai Chi before receiving the great honor of the Lion Dance. A palette full of colors and emotions before getting back in the saddle.
CHINA WELCOMES THE TOUR OF France
The least that can be said is that Shanghai has done things big to welcome the Tour champions. At the foot of the monumental Oriental Pearl Tower, ASO officials and the Pudong New District inaugurated the first Shanghai Criterium, in a warm and colorful ceremony. Jean-Etienne Amaury, president of Amaury Sport Organization, insisted on this new bridge drawn between China and the 3rd world event: “Tomorrow, the best riders of the Tour and the Chinese riders will run together this 22nd stage of the Tour de France 2017 and we are very honored.
THE FIRST WINNER OF THE TOUR TO COME IN CHINA
After the official launch of the race, the star of the day and 2017 winner Christopher Froome was invited on stage to receive, from the hands of Jean-Etienne Amaury the official trophy of “first champion of the Tour to come to China”. A distinction of which the British is very proud: “It is a great honor for me to receive this trophy today but also to walk the streets of Shanghai for the first time. I, and all the other riders, are very motivated to offer a nice show to the public in return. ” As for the sprinter Marcel Kittel, he is eager to discover the city: “Being in Shanghai is a new experience for me, everything is so different from Germany, where I live. I came here with my little brother and I promised him to organize a typical Chinese dinner.
A CEREMONY FULL OF SYMBOLS
At the end of the formal ceremony, the cyclists were invited to go backstage and put on Tai Chi outfits to follow the master’s first step. Tai Chi, as recalled by the master of ceremonies, is an ancient practice dedicated to the balance of body and mind, an art “easy to learn, difficult to master”. After three steps and a lot of selfies, the favorites (Froome, Kittel and Barguil who is celebrating his 26th birthday) have stayed on stage to receive the Lion Dance honor. This traditional dance, symbol of the courage and superiority of the lion, is a Chinese present that must bring luck to the Tour de France in China.
Back at the hotel, the riders shared a special and improvised moment with the Chinese fans. Team Kittel and Team Froome, both fans and cyclists, competed in five Chinese chopstick rounds followed by a wrestling competition. At least Marcel Kittel will be able to say that he has finished one day ahead of Chris Froome in the overall standings!
HOW TO FOLLOW THE RACE
Tomorrow is a 60-kilometer race through the streets of Shanghai. On the program: 20 laps of 3 kilometers with the Chinese formations. An amateur race, sponsored by Bernhard Eisel, Nicolas Roche and special guest Andy Schleck, will precede the professional race. 32 televisions will cover the race of which 13 will broadcast live. For fans, the race will be broadcast live on the Facebook page of the Tour de France.
