During each stage of the 75th edition of the Tour de Romandie, a personality from a region affected by the route answers our questions. The rider from Vaud d’Ollon, the last Swiss winner of the Romande loop in 1998, knows this Sunday’s route like the back of his hand.
Your link with today’s stage?
It is obvious. I lived in Aigle from 1991 to 1995, I was part of the Cyclophile d’Aigle which will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year and which will give the start of this time trial. And then, I’m a Boyar, who lives in Ollon, it’s halfway, it’s in the town of Villars, so here’s the obvious link that binds me to this Sunday’s stage. This slope was kind of my playground for several years, this evening before or during my career. And even still now! You can go up to Villars by several slopes, Gryon or Ollon, and then you can continue on the Col de la Croix, so it’s an ideal region for cycling, whether it’s the professional pelotons or the popular ones, who can savor the beauty of the Vaudois Alps.
Your good cycling plan in the region?
There are bound to be several, good plans. But it’s true that there, we are spoiled: we go up to Villars via Gryon, we can then push on to the Col de la Croix, and there, enjoy a panorama which is brilliant. We can then go back down to Les Diablerets, add Pillon and Les Mosses, this represents for me a rather symbolic tour of my region.
Your link with the Tour de Romandie?
It’s the race of my heart. The bond, I have it since my childhood. We were all on the roadside to applaud the champions. So when you start this sport, obviously you are passionate regarding the Tour de Romandie. I remember that when I was 13 or 14 years old, my club VC Rennaz had organized a stage finish in Villeneuve, and we had gone to mix with the public. Afterwards, it’s a bit of a dream come true, with my first participation in the Tour de Romandie in 1991. In addition, I finished fifth and best young rider! Subsequently, the western loop has always been one of my first goals for the season. Until this final victory in 1998 which made me the only Romand winner with Pascal (Richard). I also remember stage victories at La Chaux-de-Fonds or Loèche-les-Bains, so yes, I have a very strong and very special connection for this event.
Your best memory linked to the Tour de Romandie?
I obviously have several, but it is clear that my final victory in 1998 remains engraved in me. Often, I had come to the start with ambitions, but it hadn’t worked out for different reasons. In 1998, I had reached maturity, with a lot of confidence and a big team around me. But I especially remember from this Tour my victory during the first stage, near Saignelégier, following having won the prologue the day before. I managed to surprise all the favorites in the last kilometer to win with the green jersey on my shoulders. It’s a very, very beautiful memory.
An anecdote regarding the region crossed by the stage?
In 1997, the Tour de France had passed by there, and I was part of the peloton. I remember as if it were yesterday an incredible crowd on the climb to the Col de la Croix, with my fan club who had come en masse, and that, for me, will remain an unforgettable day. This communion with my supporters on the biggest race in the world will remain forever etched in my memory.
Where are you going to follow the step?
I will be on site in Villars, as a spectator and a guest. With the same pleasure as always: being present at the race, finding former riders, but also those who have always worked for the Tour de Romandie. So I rejoice.
