How Has The Pandemic Changed The Tour De France?

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every area of human life. The sports industry was hit hard by the pandemic leading to cancellations of leagues and tournaments. However, after months of trying to find a way to beat the virus, sports activities have returned but under strict conditions. One such event is a Tour de France like no other under stringent anti-COVID-19 protocols. The measures are put in place to protect the riders and the fans. This piece examines how the pandemic has changed the tournament.

The Race Was Delayed

Under normal circumstances, the race usually begins in July. But, in 2020, it was pushed forward to August 29th due to the global health predicament. It will end on September 20th in Paris. The delay was occasioned by a row between the organizers back in March. The Sports Minister Roxana Maracineaunu had claimed that the tournament could proceed as usual but without fans.

The organizers did not like that proposal, but after deliberations got the government’s green light to proceed as planned, only if they observed the general health guidelines.

The Crowds Are Smaller and Masked

Before the tour began, its boss claimed that the party was not as beautiful as they had planned. His sentiments were informed by the new guidelines that limited the number of fans due to spacing requirements. They were also not helped by the rise in the coronavirus infections in the host city, Nice.

The French government prohibited crowds of over 5,000 people. As such, the organizers had to make do with an almost closed door race. They managed to have few spectators spread out along the route, observing the social distancing protocols. This year’s race will be devoid of autographs and finish line hugs and kisses, unlike other Tours.

Furthermore, each person watching the race is required to wear a face mask. The mask-wearing rule applies to spectators along the race and not only in towns and cities. The government, through the Sports Ministry, stressed the fact that tour organizers should enforce mask-wearing.

The Race Will Be Restricted Within the French Borders

On certain occasions, the tour usually dips into bordering countries. However, the 2020 race will be restricted within France. The race, which kicked off on August 29th, will see the cyclists race from southeast to southwest. They will traverse through local cities and towns before heading east, where they’ll ride for hundreds of kilometers through cities heading to the finish line towards the northeast in Paris.

Cyclists Must Undergo Testing

Another measure that will be taken during the race is testing. All cyclists, organizers, and staff will be tested and observed if they exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms. This guideline ensures that all the participants remain safe throughout the tour and also eliminate the potential of one person spreading the virus during the tour.

The “Miss” Is Missing

This year, the Tour de France organizers dropped the tradition of having two women escort the winner to the podium. Instead, one woman and one man will do the honors amid increasing criticism of the old tradition, which critics claimed was sexist.

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