Monaco has once again pulled off a flawless organisation of a major event

At midday on Sunday, the Tour of Spain peloton left the Principality after 72 hours that had the whole country buzzing with cycling fever. The authorities claim the organisation was flawless.

“Go on, Pogi!” Perched on his father’s shoulders, a young boy cheers on the cycling star standing just a few metres away, focused on the starting line. With a determined pedal stroke the day before, he had taken the lead right from the start of the 81st Vuelta.

On the second day of the Grand Départ of the Tour of Spain, hosted in the Principality, the 184 riders – including Tadej Pogacar – gathered on the Rock for a ceremonial start at the stroke of midday on Sunday, led by Prince Albert II in front of his palace.

A few minutes before the professionals, the Sovereign had launched another race: that of the Peace and Sport association, bringing together around fifty cyclists taking part in a ‘Ride for Peace’, highlighting the values of peace through sport as fundamental in today’s world.

‘Professionalism in the organisation of these events’

Rather than seeking the shade, spectators had gathered on Place du Palais that Sunday morning specifically for the princely start of La Vuelta. The same enthusiasm was evident among those lying in wait along the peloton’s route, as the riders treated themselves to a final ride through the streets of the Principality up to the highest point of Boulevard du Jardin Exotique.

With the grand Spanish spectacle having left the Principality, it was time to take stock. The outcome was positive, as reflected in the satisfied smile of Minister of State Christophe Mirmand, who assured that everything had gone “smoothly, including the weather”.