(ATR) The IOC president and French sports authorities have expressed shock and sadness at the terror attack in Nice.
A lorry ploughed into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in the southern French city, killing at least 84 people and injuring dozens more. Police shot the driver dead. The horrific attack comes after 130 people were killed in last November's Paris massacre carried out by Islamic State.
IOC chief Thomas Bachhas sent a letter of condolence to the French president and the country's NOC reiterating the solidarity of the Olympic Movement with the French people "in these painful moments".
"The whole Olympic family joins me in condemning this appalling act that occurred when France celebrated its National Day," Bach said in the letter. "Such an act is contrary to all the values of liberty, equality and fraternity so dear to the French Republic."
The French Olympic Committee also reacted."All thoughts of the French NOC and Olympic France team are with the victims and their families," it tweeted on Friday.
The Paris 2024 Olympic bid, which sent a delegation of officials to Lausanne for meetings with the IOC this week, posted a statement on Twitter. "We express our heartfelt sympathy and solidarity with the families and friends of the victims in Nice," the bid said, echoing the sentiments of Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo who issued a similar statement.
President Francois Hollande said on Friday that the state of emergency that was due to be lifted on July 26 has been extended three months in the wake of Thursday's horrific attack.
Organisers of the Tour de France stepped up security for Friday’s 13th stage with the presence of regional and national police agents in each city. Today’s riding takes place in Ardeche, a department located in south-central France. A minute's silence was held before the first ride went out on the 37.5-kilometer individual time trial from Bourg-Saint-Andeol to La Caverne du Pont-d'Arc.
"We want this day to be a day of dignity as a tribute to the victims," race director Christian Prudhomme said.
Two-time Tour winner Chris Froome, who led the race going into Friday’s stage, tweeted his tribute before he took to the road: "Thoughts are with those affected by the horrific terror attack in Nice."
IAAF president Sebastian Coe was among others from the Olympic Movement reacting to the tragic events in Nice. "Liberté, égalité, fraternité - Vive la France," Coe tweeted.
The attack comes just five days after the conclusion of the Euro 2016 football championship that was staged in 10 cities across France, including Nice.
UEFA, European football’s governing body, said in a statement it was "shocked and deeply saddened" by the terrorist attack."We would like to express our solidarity with the nation of France and our sincere condolences to the families of the victims," it said.
"We would also like to express our solidarity with the people of the city of Nice, who were tremendous hosts for us during UEFA Euro 2016."
UEFA said a minute’s silence would be held at the Champions League and Europa League third qualifying round draws in Nyon.
Reported by Mark Bisson
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