But how many different snapshots did the Tour in Barcelona offer? Not just a recap of the architecture and transformations that symbolize the city that more than others interprets change. They alternated in the chaotic mix: the crowds at the barriers along all 19.7 km of the team time trial, the evocative power of a sanctuary of cycling (Montjuïc), the lighthearted ride of Indurain, Purito Rodriguez and Mauri, mounted on classic red tourist bikes, symbols of Catalonia's enviable sustainable mobility.

We start again from Granollers, heading towards the Pyrenees, and the flag drops in the hometown of a certain Aleix Espargaró, a professional in the field – also speaking from a cycling perspective – galvanized by the arrival of the Tour de France at his home, there just a stone's throw from that Montmelò circuit where he became a great figure and big name in motorcycling.

We know it: Espargaró, when he was still a motorcycle rider in MotoGP, used the bike as base training, pedaling with Carlos Verona and "Purito". Then, in 2025, also a competitive stint with Lidl Trek, participation in the Tour of Austria unfortunately concluded with an injury that affected Aleix's future plans in cycling, although he remained as an ambassador for the team.

After all, those who know Espargaró well say: "he can't be a professional rider not because he isn't physically strong but simply because there are things you can't learn at 35 years old, like stress or riding in a group".

Amusing, meanwhile, the show-cooking sketch experienced together with Marta Verona, wife of Carlos, in one of the promotional moments of Lidl Trek at the Grand Départ. The highly followed nutritionist advised the cyclists: "There are different levels. For those of us who aren't professionals and only do a short ride, a small apple provides some energy; but to achieve good performance you need quality oat flakes, an adequate intake of carbohydrates before activity, honey and a banana – which also provides potassium – all followed by hydration and protein intake" – said the winner of Masterchef 6. Espargaró listened carefully, joking with Marta Verona about their respective accidents: "I'm the one who falls most often," said Aleix, still recovering from the injury he suffered in April during a test with Honda. "I'm recovering and I can't wait to have surgery to remove the synthetic means – the bars and plates – so I can get back on the bike as soon as possible".

Espargaró admitted that the injury affected his competitive plans. "We had several races scheduled for the beginning of the year and the injury turned everything upside down, but we'll see what happens in the second half of the season," he explained. About the 36-year-old from Granollers, meanwhile, the newspaper La Vanguardia revealed "he is lean and in shape, owns three Japanese restaurants and occasionally rides 80 km by bicycle; when he combines the two things – food and cycling – he starts counting calories".

He, the three-time winner of World Championship races, twisted the neck to the journalist interviewing him, recalling how throughout his motorcycle career, cycling was his driving force, the foundation of his physical preparation. "I trained in Andorra, with Verona, who is one of my best friends, and Rodriguez, surrounded by professional cyclists. But when you pedal with them, you realize how hard it is". Closing with a hymn to two wheels without a motor: "I pushed myself to the limit, without a doubt. Cycling is incredibly complete. It gives me strength, improves my cardiovascular endurance, helps me maintain my weight and tempers me mentally". Convinced and convincing.