Our Village Prepares to be the Center of the Sports World

I used to watch only one biking event each year from my recliner in our home in Michigan. Not to insult my friends who elevate biking to greater heights than most sports fans, I would normally enjoy viewing baseball which is as slow moving as sport can get rather than bicycle racing. However, the Tour de France kept me spellbound as the racers climbed impossible mountains, sped through hairpin turns, and passed through neat ancient villages. I never did understand the peloton or the different colored jerseys, and the strategies involved were much too complex for my comprehension. And the time trials were confusing; just how did the scoring fit in with the daily grind of road racing. The idea that the contestants ride leisurely into Paris on the last leg is completely alien to sport; the fourth quarter is always the most exciting in any other sporting venue. But now, preparations are reaching a fever pitch as Quillan gets spruced up awaiting its day in the spotlight. July 10th is now only weeks away and I am beginning to appreciate the true impact of the event.

Since last year’s Tour was affected by the virus, I suspect that the 2021 version takes on an elevated status. Sporting events in the US are slowly returning to normal. The NCAA tournament was held under unusual conditions and college football was strange without the fans and numerous games were cancelled. The NFL managed to get a complete schedule played, but the NBA season was altered and Major League Baseball got a late start. Major tennis and golf tournaments were either cancelled or drastically changed in format. So all of sport will be looking on, desperate to see normal conditions played out on a world wide stage.

Landscaping at the Cultural Center

Progress on the Amphitheater

Frantic alterations are being completed throughout the village as the date approaches. The landscaping around the cultural center is all but complete and the amphitheater at the river’s edge is rapidly taking shape. Additional parking is scheduled for completion before the event. The entire open field where the factory stood will be mowed to accommodate vehicles. The flowers are in place at the “bird’s nest” at the foot of the castle hill and they are colorful against a gray background. The fountains are running in the Place de le Republic and the cafes and bars are open and patrons are returning to their favorite haunts. Many of those haunts have been remodeled or refreshed and private homes in the centre villle have been pained with help from grants. Fences at the stadium have been painted to provide the background of the final kilometer and its dramatic sprint. The finish line area on D117 as well as the route from the Lake Bertrand corner has a new surface which really wasn’t needed but will look great on TV.

Obviously July 10th will be the most anticipated date of the summer. However, plans for a full slate of fetes are in place. I turned to Pierre Castel, maire of Quillan, for insight. He generously arranged to meet me and had much information to add.

One question which has always interested me was which fete was his favorite. He seems animated whenever he is seen at any fete but he claims that the Grand Fete de Quillan is his favorite because it celebrates the town and its citizens. He was non -committal when asked which fete brought the most tourists into the village. “From July 15th to August 21st the town is full of visitors: they come for all reasons and it seems to make no difference which fete they get to participate in.”

We changed the topic to the one on everyone’s mind, The Tour de France on July 10th. The roads in Quillan will effectively be shut down until 7 pm(19 hours). Parking for the thousands of visitors will be in two temporary lots. One will be at the site of the land left vacant by the closing of the Formica  factory and the other off the St Ferriol road. He is convinced that many British tourists will return to make the crowds larger.

I was curious about the amphitheater. It will be finished by the end of June and will host concerts and spectator seating for water events. The parking for the cultural center will be finished early in 2022.

We all know how important the green belt is to mayor Castel. He enthusiastically gave several reasons for its importance to the Aude Valley. Among them was the financial benefit to businesses located along the route. He also pointed to attractions such as the dinosaur excavations near Esperaza and Domaine St Jacques.

The excitement is palpable now but will intensify as the weeks pass and July 10th nears. Quillan is always a lively place from June to Mid-September. This summer will be the best unless the dreaded C word reemerges. Get your shots and keep wearing the irritating masks. Get ready to eat, drink and dance the night away.