Created in 1903, the Tour de France has since its inception sent some of its stages abroad. For its fourth edition in 1906, this passage took place in Metz, then a German city. This is the first time that the Grande Boucle has visited a neighboring country. For the second stage, which connects Douai and Nancy, i.e. nearly 400 kilometers, the riders travel 76 kilometers in German Lorraine, and pass in particular through Metz. The stage will be won by Renée Pottier, after 14 hours of travel.
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Metz, the first foreign stopover city in 1907
In his work History of Metz in 80 days the historian Pierre Brasme reports remarks by Victor Breyer, journalist at The Car. He insists on French patriotism during the stage, while placing Metz in Alsace: “You must have heard the cheers of the good people who, on the way, recognized in us the official delegates of a French newspaper. You have to have received the ovation that greeted us at Metz control to realize this. […] You will understand what a very special character this foray into Alsace had for us. »
The following year, Metz was the first foreign stage city of the Tour de France. Leaving Roubaix, 398 kilometers further, the cyclists arrive in Metz after more than 13 hours on the road. The French riders Émile Georget and Louis Trousselier tied for the day. Until 1910, Metz will be a stage city for the Tour every year. Pierre Brasme reports that in 1911, the German Emperor William II forbade it, because of the “patriotic demonstrations” on the sidelines of the event.
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“Do you know ? Metz” can also be listened to as a podcast every day
