Stage 15 of the Tour de France featured fans and riders from various backgrounds, highlighting the sport's linguistic diversity. Clara, from Barcelona, traveled to cheer for Julian Alaphilippe, humorously proposing matrimony through a cardboard sign. Conversations at the Tour often involve multiple languages, with an easy mix of English and Spanish. While official communications and race operations predominantly occur in French, this international event unites fans from many countries. The presence of riders from 27 nations further emphasizes the polyglot character of cycling, contrasting with more monolingual cultures.
Clara came from Barcelona to watch the Tour, cheer for her favorite rider, and cheekily propose holy matrimony to him via cardboard sign. 'I wanted him to read it quickly, because he is tired,' she said.
While the Tour carries its haughty Frenchness like a badge of honor, one of the distinguishing traits of cycling is how international it is.
The Tour itself is conducted in French and English, though obviously French takes precedence.
Riders from 27 countries are here, and seven different mother tongues are represented in the current top 10.
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