The French stage winners were invited to a function at the Elysée Palace, the Presidential office and residence. President Nicolas Sarkozy is suffering in the polls and this reception was a first: after the disastrous football world cup showing, a photo opportunity with sportsmen who win can’t go amiss, even if some tastelessly loud shirts steal the show.
Nevertheless, the President apparently showed a good knowledge of the sport and according to FDJ’s Marc Madiot, his knowledge of the race was such that “he must have followed every stage” on TV.
Photo: L’Equipe.fr
I love that Federigo and Chavanel turned up in outfits that would have seen them refused admission to any nightclub in the land. Or the Elysee Palace ditched the "pas des jeans, pas des baskets" dress code?
who's the scary bald fella to sarkozy's right?
Ag2r's John Gadret. Not a stage winner but the first Frenchman on GC.
Aha. thanks.
He's scarier looking than the chicken i reckon http://www.cyclingfans.net/images/2010_tour_de_france_paris_elysee_palace_sarkozy_fedrigo1.jpg