The Tour de France is a spectacle, and at its heart, there's a man who embodies the spirit of the race: Bernard Monforte, the enigmatic Henri IV. For a decade, he's been the King of the Tour, a larger-than-life character who captivated the audience and the media alike. But this year, he's not there, and the void he leaves behind is palpable.
I first encountered Bernard as 'The Smelly King,' a fitting moniker for a man who, on a particularly hot day, wore a velvet suit and neck ruff, exuding an aroma that could only be described as... well, aromatic. It was a funny and frustrating experience, as he stuck to his character, even when it was clear he was suffering. Over time, I got to know him better, and the 'smell' faded, revealing a human beneath the costume.
What made Bernard so special was his dedication to the role. He was more than just a character; he became an integral part of the Tour de France experience. My annual interviews with him were a highlight, a soft chat to prepare me for the more mundane rider interviews. I stopped seeing him as a smelly character and began to appreciate the man behind the suit.
Bernard's departure from the Tour is a significant loss. He's not just a man in a costume; he's a guardian of the race's history and tradition. His creation of 'Il est une fois le Tour de France' is a testament to his commitment to preserving the Tour's legacy. This play, which portrays the race's creation by Henri Desgrange, is a fitting tribute to Bernard's decade-long service.
In honor of his contribution, I'm sharing an interview from last year's Tour, a glimpse into the world of Henri IV and the man behind the velvet suit. It's a reminder of the magic that Bernard brought to the race and the void he leaves behind.
What makes this story fascinating is the contrast between the character and the man. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable parts of an event are not the athletes but the people who bring the event to life. Bernard's dedication to his role and his commitment to the Tour's history are a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on an event.
In my opinion, the Tour de France is not just a race; it's a theater of dreams, and Bernard Monforte was one of its most talented performers. His absence will be felt, but his legacy will live on through the stories we tell and the memories we cherish.
