ahead amid heightened security
Last Updated : GMT 06:49:16
Arab Today, arab today
Arab Today, arab today
Last Updated : GMT 06:49:16
Arab Today, arab today

Tour de France stage goes

Ahead amid heightened security

Arab Today, arab today

Arab Today, arab today Ahead amid heightened security

Security forces on patrol during the ninth stage
Bourg-Saint-Andéol - Arab Today

Friday's 13th stage of the Tour de France went ahead amid heightened security after a terror attack which killed at least 84 people in Nice on Thursday night.

Some 600 security forces were deployed along the 37km-long route from Bourg Saint Andeol to La Caverne du Pont d'Arc in the south of France.

"All access roads leading to the route have been blocked," assistant Tour director Pierre-Yves Thouault, who is in charge of security, told AFP.

The Tour is officially in mourning according to organisers, with festivities suspended on the day's stage.

A minute's silence was held at the start and another will be held at the finish while the publicity caravan that precedes the Tour along each stage route was silent in memory of the terror attack victims.

"We want this day to be dignified in hommage to the victims," said Tour director Christian Prudhomme ahead of the start of the stage, a 37km time-trial from Bourg Saint Andeol to La Caverne du Pont d'Arc in the south of France.
Despite the extra security, former world champion Rui Costa of Portugal admitted he was afraid that the Tour could also be targeted, in particular because of the thousands of people who line the streets every day to watch the cyclists go past.

"#‎prayfornice‬ I don't feel safe here in France," he wrote on Facebook.

"Cycling brings thousands of people together in the same place, it's an easy target.

"I'm afraid for the cyclists and for the fans.

"My sentiments are with all the families and friends of the victims of yet another barbarous attack.

"Enough violence, enough killing innocent people."

Ireland's Sam Bennett was the first rider to start his race against the clock at 10.05am local time (0805 GMT).
Race leader Chris Froome was due to start last at 4.49pm (1449 GMT).

The yellow jersey wearer, who suffered his own personal drama in a sensational stage 12 finish on Mont Ventoux on Thursday, paid tribute to the victims on Twitter.

"Thoughts are with those affected by the horrific terror attack in Nice," he wrote, alongside a picture of the French flag.

Riders were reacting on social media as soon as the attack happened on Thursday.

- 'Crazy world' -

Dutchman Bauke Mollema, who is fourth overall after a strong ride on Thursday despite being caught up in the same crash with a motorcycle that threatened to ruin Froome's defence of his Tour crown, wrote on twitter: "I couldn't sleep yet and now read about something more important than the Tour. My thoughts are with the people of Nice. F*ing crazy world."

Early on Friday morning, Tour organisers held a crisis meeting with local government officials, gendarme police and GIGN anti-terror special forces before deciding to proceed with the stage.
The day's stage in the Ardeche is maintained. We asked ourselves the question but we think, in agreement with State authorities, that the race must go on," said Prudhomme.

"And that we must not give in to the pressure of those who want us to change our way of life.

"The Tour will continue with restraint and dignity.

"Our thoughts are with the victims, we commiserate with all those affected, who've lost their loved ones, who are injured in their bodies or in their souls.

"It's a day of mourning for France and a day of mourning for the Tour de France."

A minute's silence was held in the departure village before Bennett set off on his time-trial.

Another minute's silence will be held at the finish when the various distinctive jersey wearers, including Froome, head up to the victory podium to receive their prizes.

Tour organisers ASO also run the Paris-Nice week-long stage race which traditionally ends on the Promenade des Anglais where Thursday night's attack happened.

Source: AFP

arabstoday
arabstoday

Name *

E-mail *

Comment Title*

Comment *

: Characters Left

Mandatory *

Terms of use

Publishing Terms: Not to offend the author, or to persons or sanctities or attacking religions or divine self. And stay away from sectarian and racial incitement and insults.

I agree with the Terms of Use

Security Code*

ahead amid heightened security ahead amid heightened security

 



Name *

E-mail *

Comment Title*

Comment *

: Characters Left

Mandatory *

Terms of use

Publishing Terms: Not to offend the author, or to persons or sanctities or attacking religions or divine self. And stay away from sectarian and racial incitement and insults.

I agree with the Terms of Use

Security Code*

ahead amid heightened security ahead amid heightened security

 



GMT 12:11 2017 Thursday ,27 July

Tony Baroud to present new TV show

GMT 23:00 2017 Monday ,16 October

Egypt FM to head for Slovenia on Monday

GMT 20:06 2017 Friday ,20 January

Daesh in new demolitions at Syria’s Palmyra

GMT 21:06 2017 Friday ,24 November

Marriyum condemns Hayatabad terrorists attack

GMT 01:00 2017 Saturday ,25 November

Cabinet Affairs Minister Meets Indonesian Ambassador

GMT 02:34 2018 Thursday ,04 January

Merger creates state-owned gas giant

GMT 10:08 2017 Tuesday ,07 March

Geneva farce: The regime is the opposition

GMT 10:19 2017 Saturday ,18 November

AJK Prime Minister condemns across LoC shelling
Arab Today, arab today
 
 Arab Today Facebook,arab today facebook  Arab Today Twitter,arab today twitter Arab Today Rss,arab today rss  Arab Today Youtube,arab today youtube  Arab Today Youtube,arab today youtube

Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©

Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©

arabstoday arabstoday arabstoday arabstoday
arabstoday arabstoday arabstoday
arabstoday
بناية النخيل - رأس النبع _ خلف السفارة الفرنسية _بيروت - لبنان
arabstoday, Arabstoday, Arabstoday