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Alaphilippe wearing the rainbow jersey as world champion

Great excitement amongst cycling fans as Julian Alaphilippe, the current world champion, will be part of the Tour de Provence; it’s a first for the race now entering its 6th year.

He had planned to be racing in south America but that competition like many others has been cancelled.  So will the Tour de Provence, 11-14th February, take place? https://www.tourdelaprovence.fr/

The organisers certainly hope so and plan full health safety-measures based on those introduced for the Tour de France. Their need for 41 hotels during 5 days would be welcomed by locals, along with the catering necessary for the entourage of 500 – as well as all the spectators.

The decision is in the hands of the prefect and is expected 5th February.  I’m sure it has to be taken so late, in order to fully measure and evaluate the Covid situation, but it must be really difficult for the organisers of such a large event to work with such uncertainty.

The fairground operators are in the same boat, waiting for a oui/non decision for the Foire aux Maneges which takes place each year near the Stade de Carcassonne.  Diaried in for 13th Feb – 14th March, it too awaits authorisation from the prefecture.