Terror on the promenade: ‘Pray for Nice’ as world of sport pays its respects

The French tricolour flew at half-mast by the 18th green as tributes were paid to the victims of the Bastille Day attack in Nice at The Open golf championship on Friday. Golfers including Lee Westwood, Ernie Els and Henrik Stenson were were wearing black ribbons on their headgear as a gesture of support. French golfer Clement Sordet, who lives just 500m from the scene of the carnage in Nice, teed off in the first three-ball of the day in the second round at Royal Troon with the words 'pray for Nice’ emblazoned on his cap. He said: “I am really proud to be French and I think we need to support each other. Other players have said they send their prayers. It was a nice touch with the black ribbons, although it is pretty sad to have to take them out of the box.”

My girlfriend Marie is from Nice and she has family there, and because there was a big party last night because it was July 14 we had a bunch of friends and my girlfriend’s mum there, but everyone is safe. I feel really bad for everyone else.

French golfer Clement Sordet

Elsewhere, The Tour de France continued on Friday “in sobriety and with dignity” following discussions in the wake of the terrorist attack in Nice. There was a minute’s silence held at the start of Friday’s 13th stage, a 37.5km time-trial from Bourg-Saint-Andeol to La Caverne du Pont-d'Arc. Race leader Chris Froome was among the cyclists to tweet their support. Tour director Christian Prudhomme, said: “We wish today to be dignified, in tribute to the victims. We are thinking about the families, we offer our condolences to everyone who has been affected, who has lost a loved one. To everyone who is injured, in flesh and in their being.” Pop star Rihanna cancelled a concert scheduled for Friday in Nice and a jazz festival due to start in the city on Saturday was also abandoned.

It’s a day of mourning, for France and for the Tour de France. The Tour de France will continue in sobriety and with dignity.

Tour director Christian Prudhomme

World