The Tour de France kicked off its third stage in Granollers with a neutralised start that covered 4.5 kilometres through the city. Thousands of fans filled the streets to see stars like Pogacar and Vingegaard.
The Tour de France is now part of Granollers' history. This Monday, July 6, the city experienced a historic day by hosting the neutralised start of the third stage of the Grand Départ. At 12:10 PM, the cyclists began a route of 4.5 kilometres that passed through the urban centre, with thousands of people cheering from the sidewalks.
Official Village and Festive Atmosphere from Early Morning
From 9 AM, the official Tour Village, set up in the parking lot on Ramon Llull Street, opened its doors. Attendees could follow the pre-start activities on giant screens. The mayor, Alba Barnusell, welcomed everyone alongside the Tour director, Christian Prudhomme, the Sports Councillor, Berni Álvarez, and other officials.
One of the most emotional moments was led by the casteller group Xics de Granollers, who performed two four-pillar human towers with the message 'Live the Tour. Make history'. Additionally, the children who won the Gran Dictat del Tour, an activity that brought together over 800 schoolchildren from the city, received recognition on stage.
World Stars Within Reach
The Tour paddock, located on Rafael Casanovas Street, was another massive meeting point. Fans were able to see closely figures like Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, who posed for photos and signed autographs. The team presentations, featuring a parade of cyclists along Ramon Llull, were followed by a crowd eager not to miss the spectacle.
Civic involvement was key to the event's success. More than 400 volunteers helped with the organisation, ensuring all activities ran smoothly. The Tour has left an indelible mark on Granollers, which is already dreaming of repeating the experience.
A Milestone for Local Sports
For Granollers, hosting the Tour de France represents a leap in international visibility. The city became the epicentre of world cycling for a few hours, with attendance that exceeded all expectations. Residents, who had been preparing for days, responded with enthusiasm.
The Granollers City Council has highlighted the organisational success and civic collaboration. The day went by without incidents and with a festive atmosphere that demonstrates the city's capacity to host major sporting events. Now, the focus turns to future opportunities that may arise from this experience.
For cycling fans, watching the best in the world pedal through their streets has been a gift. And as the mayor said, 'we have made history.'
