Paris 2024 Olympics: a wild crowd in Montmartre welcomed the road cycling event

A week after the time trial, cyclists were invited to get back on their bikes on Saturday 3 August. The 273-kilometre race included a section through the heart of Paris. In the late afternoon, the finale took shape on the Montmartre hill. In an impressive setting, the public turned up in force.

At the foot of the Montmartre hill, you'll find Abbesses metro station – the deepest in Paris. Anyone who stops here has to climb 36 metres to see the light of day. In the early afternoon of Saturday 3 August, the station's basements were packed to the rafters. Queues formed at the foot of the stairs which was just the thing to prolong the pleasures of the day ahead. "We should wait for the others" suggests a young girl, wearing a t-shirt with the outline of Belgium on her back. Her little group splits up as they climb the steps. Even divided, Belgium is everywhere. After Remco Evenepoel's gold medal in the time trial, an entire country is counting on its hero to double his tally.

The Hustle and Bustle of Montmarte

The Montmartre district of Paris is a must-see for tourists from all over the world. With its picturesque lanes lined with bars and shops of all kinds, as well as architectre that gives a village feel – you won't want to miss it. At this time of year, tourists are not let down. However, it's a completely different spectacle that attracts the crowds today. The usual procession that takes tourists to the Place du Tertre has been rerouted. They now have to pass through the rue Lepic, where the final outcome of the race would be decided. This all on these 8% gradients grounds and a cobbled surface.

Rue Lepic In a Trance

Two hours before the first of the three groups of cyclists passed, the pavements were overflowing on this artery which links Pigalle to Place du Tertre. Some people even got up early to reserve their piece of tarmac. "My mates are right here, they're sitting just behind the barrier", says a young man, pointing to a small group of people, sitting down to eat, "they've come really early". To keep the crowd waiting, they warmed up with some of the greatest classics of French sports music. "Les yeux d'Emilie" to start with, "Pena Baiona" to give them strength, and Johnny Hallyday's "Que je t'aime" brought up to date by the Paris 2024 organisers. But it was the chants to the glory of Thibaut Pinot that rang out the loudest. The Franc-Comtois rider retired almost a year ago, but his aura remains intact among cycling fans.

Above the crowd, people in the streets have been peeking out of their windows. Suddenly, a commotion erupts from the Boulevard de Clichy below. The hum in the air grows louder and louder until it reaches the first bend in the rue Lepic. Here it doubles in noise, "Is it them?" everyone's wondering.

Instead of cyclists though, a dozen police motorbikes whiz up the street. While they're at it, they're cheered on by the crowd to the tune of "Allez les Bleus". Next came the fire brigade and the City of Paris maintenance workers, who got the same epic reaction. Rue Lepic is heating up. The show shouldn't be too long away.

Thibaut Pinot – He's not here but he's causing a stir

Now some people are starting to turn on their phones to follow the race. A young man with a catogan is acting as announcer. "They'll be here in eight minutes", he informs us. A few moments later, he adds: "Alexey Lutsenko in the lead, with ... another guy" (Ben Healy). Our informant wasn't lying to us: the two men who had escaped at the front burst out in front of us. Seconds later, the noise grew louder as the French chased down the leading duo, the ballet of cars followed behind. There are still two climbs left on the hill, and everyone is determined to stay put and follow the rest of the race.

An entire neighbourhood in turmoil

Some people decide to find another spot, to try and catch a glimpse of a piece of handlebar, a wheel or better yet, a helmet. "Uncle said we had time" assures a child to his little group. But we'd better hurry, because Remco Evenepoel is in the process of dynamising the race. As you make your way down the street, the Place Jean-Baptiste Clément becomes the obvious place to follow the second crossing of the hill. The square is located at the very top of rue Lepic, just before the finish in the narrow streets of old Montmartre. A huge Belgian flag welcomes us, accompanied by "Rem-co, Rem-co, Rem-co". In reply, a few more timid "Julian, Julian, Julian" burst forth. Here too, the crowds are impressive. They're on bus shelters, in trees, and contorting their bodies on a facade as everyone tries to catch a glimpse of the race. Of course, another option is to stare at the screens of telephones. Suddenly someone captures the arrival of a bike in the distance. No Remco Evenepoel on the horizon, but a latecomer struggling to climb that hill. Understandably so.

Finally, the Belgian broke away a few minutes later. Behind him, Stefan Küng and Michael Woods are hanging on tight. "Madouas is in the mix" warned a better-placed spectator. Just like Alaphillippe, who some already see as the winner at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. While waiting for the athletes to arrive, a muffled pop noise makes everyone turn around. A young woman has just opened a bottle of champagne. There are still around thirty kilometres to go.

Crowded Terraces

The streets of this former village – finally annexed to Paris – are still buzzing with activity. A third passage is due to take place. To make sure they don't miss the finish, onlookers flock to the terraces. Many of the bars have installed giant screens showing the race, so spectators push to them in droves. Feet on the road and eyes on the TV is enough to make the waiters smile. Paris has changed a lot.

From here, they can see Remco Evenepoel pulling away from all his rivals. Belgian fans are starting to get noisy, celebrating the Flemish rider's double. Even the bike breakdown on the outskirts of the Louvre did not worry them. Their champion was on his way to victory. Two Frenchmen, Valentin Madouas and Christophe Laporte completed the podium.

At the foot of the Eiffel Tower, Remco Evenepoel poses for posterity. One more postcard for these Olympic Games, like so many others captured in Montmartre.