The Tour de France had never seen anything like it. Stage one of the Grand Depart in Yorkshire had surpased everyone’s expectations as hundreds of thousands of people flocked to the roadside for the opening stage.
Estimates are always amusingly unreliable, but this time the figure of two million sounded about right. The number of people at the side of the road surprised even the most experienced DS’s in the team cars while the fanparks were full to bursting.
After the stage riders took to Twitter to both thank the fans, but also ask them to give them some space after a nervous day of near misses.
Huge crowds are amazing for us bike riders but let's try to keep it safe for everyone and make more space and make a steep back on the road
— Fabian cancellara (@f_cancellara) July 5, 2014
I still owe a big thank you to the crowds today. I wasn't once cold but rode around with goosebumps almost all day. You guys are great!
— Koen de Kort (@koendekort) July 5, 2014
First stage #TDF2014 #tdf done.awsome to see so many people on the road thx but please respect the riders and take care of your children
— fränk schleck (@schleckfrank) July 5, 2014
To quote my teammates, "Mama mia, tante gente! Impressionante ma pericoloso!" –> "My mother, so many people! Impressive but dangerous!"
— Ted King (@iamtedking) July 5, 2014
Never never never see a crowd like this!Thanks @letouryorkshire! but please beside the road ! @letour @cannondalePro pic.twitter.com/FudCTBjs7b
— Alessandro De Marchi (@ADM_RossodiBuja) July 5, 2014
IMPORTANT MESSAGE if U R watching @letour @ the roadside . Respect the riders safety.Don't run, stay off the road&Control Kids&dogs plse RT
— Sir Gary Verity (@GaryVerity) July 6, 2014
MESSAGE DE SECURITE : SVP restez sur le bord de la route pendant la course / SECURITY MESSAGE: please stay beside the road during the race.
— Le Tour de France (@LeTour) July 5, 2014
https://twitter.com/tejay_van/status/485818491749298176
