Indeed, the atmosphere that the fans create during each and every stage, behind every corner, and all around the route of the race is mesmerizing. Now, there are those who are simply there to chant and clap. To see the passing peloton and enjoy the vibe. However, there are also those fans who not only create the vibe but elevate it to new heights every year. Those are the true Tour de Crazies who make the Tour de France the spectacle it is today.
Those in costumes
Of course, on top of our list are those in costumes. Seeing a T-Rex running on the Alpe d’Huez climb while at the same time, a banana man is sharing a drink with some random nun. This can only be seen on the Tour de France. It seems people have made it their mission to create more absurd costumes each year. And we’re glad they have the energy and determination to do so. We’re waiting to see who will be the highlights of this year’s Tour de Crazy.
That Pizza guy
Still, not everyone becomes famous on purpose. If you are dressed in an extravagant costume and screaming for attention, that’s fine. But this pizza guy was just at the right place at the right time. After Ben O’Connor was giving it his all, leading Felix Gall, he finally blew up. This happened at the last segment of the 17th stage of the 2023 Tour. O’Connor looked weak, barely turning the pedals. So, naturally, one spectator crossed over and offered him a slice of pizza. Tour de France fans can be helpful like this. One will give you water, others a push. This guy – well, he gave pizza.
The mid-stage party
Now, there is always a party somewhere along the road. However, what made this party different was that one of the riders decided to join in the fun. At the 14th stage of last year’s Tour, over one of the climbs, music was blasting, people were singing and dancing, and, of course, there was a lot of beer. So, how could Benoit Cosnefroy have resisted the temptation? The French rider took a moment to join the fun in the middle of the climb, dancing and chanting with the crowd for a full minute before he was sent off with ecstatic chants.
The Bidon Swish
Now, this one is among my personal favorites. In all honesty, getting a souvenir from a rider, if you are not a kid, is practically impossible. Well, not impossible, as this lady showed us. It’s actually easier than you might think. All you need is some outside thinking.
A simple basketball ring and a “Swish the Bidon” sign. And it worked. A cyclist from the peloton made an attempt. He even scored. So, at least one reason for a celebration within the Israel-prime tech team that day.
However, most fans are just there one year or another. There are those, however, who cheer on the riders every single year.
El Diablo
Didi has turned into something more than just a fan. This German old-timer, who’s probably the most famous Tour de France fan in the world, is now a symbol of the race and its exceptional culture. El Diablo, or Didi Senft, as is his real name, can be seen both on the Tour and the Giro and is mainly known for being able to jump over anyone. This year, at the L’Etape village, there was even a scale to see if you can jump as high as this old timer.
These days, Didi is more of an honorary guest, rather than a simple fan. But hey, he always enjoys getting around on the route and cheering the peloton on.
The nudists
We can’t actually say whether these are the same people or not. We never get to their faces. But regardless, these are some of the fans you can only see live. For some reason, TV operators avoid showing them on camera. However, they always add a delightful shameless note to the overall craziness that is the Tour.
While we won’t discuss their wardrobe choice, we would say it’s extremely entertaining watching them run after a rider who obviously wants to get away as fast as possible. So, here’s a boost for you. It works better than any energy gel.
The Dutch Curve
The Dutch Curve is among the most iconic places you can find yourself on the route. They usually get high on the mountains, probably because they’re sick of flatlands in their own country, and start the preparation of the shenanigans early in the morning.
When the party starts, everyone is welcome. The atmosphere is ecstatic, the crowd is thrilled, and the result is controlled chaos. But if you are looking for something even wilder, well, there is only one fan group that can bring you the utter chaos in its primal state.
The Beefeaters Bend
The Beefeaters Bend is, without a doubt, the most famous fan group on the Tour. They even received the fan award in 2019 from the UCI. That says more than a hundred pictures and Instagram likes, though the Beefeaters have it all.
Each year, they get to a random location on the route and have a party unlike anything you’ve seen before. There is no planning, no control. Just fun. Pure fun.
We at We Love Cycling spoke to these wonderful gents this year, so if you want to learn more about who they are, how they organize, and what they do, hop on to Behind the Scenes of the Tour de France with the Beefeaters.
