The people who came down from San Luca yesterday afternoon at a quarter past six, making Tour go by inertia with their legs, had smiles on their faces. In the silence of the return, from via de’ Carbonesi, you could only hear the echo of the Slovenian fans who in via Indipendenza invoked the yellow Pogacar jersey as a Cid, a conqueror of worlds. The world of Bologna was all yellow yesterday and Bologna was at the center of a party in which everyone played a role, from the Danish fan with Rapunzel-style braids to the little boy with the polka-dot shirt on his father’s shoulders, holding a sheet of paper with written ‘Bettiol’. The victory of the Frenchman Kevin Vauquelin, in the second stage of the Tour de France who started from Italy for the first time and who yesterday surfed from Cesenatico to Bologna, therefore went almost unnoticed in front of the multifaceted passion of over 100 thousand people. And while the images of the center of Bologna from above flashed on the big screens, Matteo Lepore and former prime minister Romano Prodi stared proudly from the foot of the awards stage. “A great participation, I am proud – said the mayor -, I thank all those who collaborated, from Mattia Santori to the Region without which all this would not have been possible. Will we do it again? Now we will let the city rest a bit, because the big events are important, but we also have construction sites. We’ll see what else we can do.” Prodi was also happy, going up to applause to reward the runners. “An organization here that is practically perfect, powerful, congratulations to everyone.” Also on stage is the outgoing governor Stefano Bonaccini. “One of the great satisfactions that will remain for me – said the newly elected in Europe –, three stages that come to Italy and Emilia-Romagna for the first time, is truly thanks to us. We have made history, despite the expense of 4 million euros we see a return of 130 million euros for Emilia and Romagna then seeing the portico of San Luca climbed twice, what a sensational postcard for Bologna and for the region”. Santori is already looking ahead. “We have studied, today we can feel the work done in recent months in outline – said the managing director for Sport –. The Sport Valley, wanted by Bonaccini and put on the ground by Gianmaria Manghi, must be strengthened and a structure is needed, the topic enter the debate of the next Regionals”. Among the spectators also Cardinal Matteo Zuppi.
Returning to the atmosphere, almost 30 thousand people were registered in San Luca, while in Piazza VIII Agosto there were many fans of all nationalities queuing for (paid) gadgets. In the paddock, like an unexpected VIP, appeared Edwin Van der Sar, former goalkeeper for Juventus and the Dutch national team. That he tried to give Bologna fans hope. “Zirkzee? In my opinion he doesn’t go to United, who already have Hojlund.” Also present was the director of the ASL, Paolo Bordon. “I thank professionals and volunteers who with dedication (7 nurses, 2 doctors and 25 volunteers were involved yesterday; ed.) allow events such as the Tour to be carried out in maximum safety”. Eighteen spectators were rescued. Finally, the firemen’s strike. The Police Headquarters, given the higher than expected participation – 159 people out of 258 expected on duty – had to call State Police agents from other provinces. There was some traffic disruption, although nothing unexpected. “Legitimate strike – so Lepore –, but no disservice”.
