Viral photo of Olympic crowds compared to Claude Monet masterpiece
A photograph capturing thousands of supporters lining the sweeping Rue Lepic in Montmartre during the cycling road race has gone viral, drawing comparisons on social media to a famous 1878 painting by watercolour master Claude Monet. This image is seen as emblematic of the growing popular support for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Organisers announced on Sunday that around 500,000 people lined the streets of Paris for the event, which saw cyclists race through some of the city’s most picturesque streets, including the iconic Montmartre hill, with the start and finish line positioned in front of the Eiffel Tower.
“I don’t know if it is an Olympic record but there were 500,000 people along the route,” Paris 2024 spokeswoman Anne Descamps told reporters at a daily briefing on Sunday, citing figures from the Paris police department.
France’s strong start in the Games, currently placing third in the medals table, along with national pride in showcasing Paris to the world, has been credited with fuelling this enthusiasm. Le Monde reported on the “exuberant enthusiasm” on Paris’ streets, noting that “since the opening ceremony, French people have had a desire to share in it, far from the image of a divided society.”
Fan zones around the city have been packed, with thousands cheering on new local heroes like swimmer Leon Marchand and veteran champions such as judoka Teddy Riner. Television viewership has also been impressive, with 23.2-23.4 million people tuning in to the live coverage of the opening ceremony on 26 July, making it one of the most-watched events in French history.
Será una de las fotos del año del #ciclismo se estima que hubo 500 mil personas siguiendo la competencia de #CyclingRoad masculino hoy en #Paris2024 🥲 una demostración más de que es uno de los deportes más importantes de los #OlympicGames
pic.twitter.com/alFDXpXeqz— Marcelo La Gattina (@MLaGattina) August 4, 2024
Despite initial concerns about security, with France on its highest alert level for terror attacks, and worries about disruptions to daily life in the capital, the Games have been met with widespread public enthusiasm. Many of the city’s wealthiest areas remain quiet as residents head off for their traditional summer holidays, leaving the streets to the Olympic celebrations.
In the men’s road race on Saturday, Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel clinched the gold medal despite a dramatic late puncture, further adding to the excitement of the event.
The 24-year-old became the first male cyclist to win gold in both the road race and time trial events at the same Olympic Games. Whilst he got his hands on the gold, photographers also struck gold too, which capped off a stellar day in cycling.
Iconic. pic.twitter.com/X5Xazc3pKH
— Cyclist (@cyclist) August 3, 2024
Paris, renowned for hosting the grand finale of the Tour de France, once again served as a breathtaking backdrop for this monumental event. The Belgian star launched relentless attacks in the final stages, conquering three ascents of Cote de la Butte Montmartre, leaving his competitors behind and securing his place in history.
With a finish over a minute ahead of his closest competitor, Evenepoel had ample opportunity to relish his triumph. He dismounted and celebrated with his arms raised in victory against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. This unforgettable moment is set to be one of the standout highlights of the Games, epitomising the dominance of one of cycling’s greatest talents.
Gabriel Medina’s ‘mother nature’ shot is another highlight, while another moment for photography haven saw a selfie of North and South Korean table tennis players on the podium in Paris, which went viral, symbolising unity amid ongoing political tensions.