A moment in time Split stages and time-trials

The staff of the velodrome in the Vendée town of La Roche-sur-Yon had been busy since the early hours of the morning. It was Friday, 27th July 1934, and at midday the riders of the 28th edition of the Tour de France were due to contest the climax of stage 21a – an 81km blast from La Rochelle that was all but certain to end in a bunch sprint on the town’s track. There was much to do for the workers at the velodrome, including setting up a rider’s paddock.

‘As soon as they arrive at the velodrome, the riders the day before the stage. ‘They will have at their disposal the outbuildings of the bar, the cloakroom, with its massage tables, its showers. There they will find refreshments: bananas, tarts, rice cakes, which will be offered to them free of charge by the local organisers… this paddock, where the bicycles will also be parked, will be away from the public. The riders will be able to change there in freedom and without being bothered by anyone.’