The show goes on, but the tragedy is being remembered.
At least 84 people were killed and hundreds more were injured, on Thursday, when a lorry drove into crowds of people celebrating Bastille Day in the French city of Nice.
After holding a crisis meeting, it was decided that the Tour de France would go ahead on Friday, with tributes being paid to the victims of the terrible tragedy throughout the stage.
Thoughts are with those affected by the horrific terror attack in Nice pic.twitter.com/tM6IBN30xE
— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) July 15, 2016
A minute’s silence was held before the first rider went out at 9:05 am, and another will be held at the finish.
The publicity caravan, which travels ahead of the riders handing out souvenirs to spectators while blaring music everyday, was silent on Friday.
“We want this day to be a day of dignity as a tribute to the victims,” said race director Christian Prudhomme. “We had a crisis meeting with the prefect of the Ardeche department and the gendarmerie. The stage is on.
“We asked ourselves but we think, after agreeing with authorities, that the race must continue.”
Security measures at the three-week race have been intensified this year. 23,000 police officers, including SWAT-like intervention squads, have been employed to protect the race while bag checks are being implemented at the start and finish of every stage.
