How can you not love this guy anymore? I mean, Thibaut Pinot and his goats and cows and chickens, oh my, was charming. But this time the former pro was back in the community he calls home this week, but for even more important reasons. Not all heroes wear Lycra, or something. (Or used to. I’m sure the dude still does when he’s not mucking stalls and stuff.)
The French star was spotted helping firefighters tackle a major blaze in Mélisey, a village in the Haute-Saône region of eastern France. Wildfires seem to be all over the place these days–certainly we Canucks know this–and sure, they disrupt races, but there’s more important things to worry about. Entire communities, houses, the safety of the locals. (And the animals!)
Pinot’s plea
According to Eurosport, Pinot joined local farmers who supported emergency crews after a fire broke out on Monday, July 27. The former Tour de France stage winner was seen driving a quad alongside other farmers who were transporting water pumped from nearby ponds to the scene.
Cyclists with goats is becoming quite a nice set! 😍🐐#Schelling #Poels #Pogi #Pinot pic.twitter.com/Tq7lE86wEO
— Tonke (@TonkeCycling) April 30, 2024
Pinot, who retired from pro cycling in 2023, is still living in Mélisey, where he runs a farm. Around 10 local farmers reportedly helped firefighters by bringing water supplies as crews worked to contain the flames.
The fire destroyed a home and burned through around three hectares of brushland. Around 50 firefighters were called in to fight the blaze. Local reports said the homeowner later admitted burning cardboard, and was placed in custody over allegations related to endangering others and an accidental forest fire.
The dude is known for being a great cyclist, but also for his connection to his hometown. Pinot has often embraced his life away from cycling, spending much of his time farming in the region. We’ve all seen the guy with his goats, but in terms of his involvement as a pro cyclist and community, he kinda is the GOAT. (Sorry, Pogi.) Love to see it.