It was as if the clanging of bells around the cows’ necks had called the people to worship. At the summit of Le Markstein, on an open, grassy patch of the Vosges mountains, fans held French tricolours in one hand, and slapped the hoardings in front of the podium ceremony with the other. “Seixas!” they chanted. Thud, thud, thud. In unison again: “Seixas!” Thud, thud, thud.
They watched as Tadej Pogačar, this year’s Tour de France champion in waiting, stepped onto the stage three times – first as the winner of stage 14, then to collect his yellow jersey, and again for the polka dot jersey – but they only really cheered him out of politeness. Their hero was on his way. “He’s just confirmed his talent,” the voice over the loud speakers began, setting off a roar. “In just a few moments, your new white jersey, Paul Seixas!” And the volume went up another notch.
