FRANCE 98 – Colombia settled into La Tour du Pin (Isère)

Streamers, and decorated roundabouts and shop windows… La Tour du Pin (55 km east of Lyon) has turned into “Torre del Pino” for the World Cup, to use town mayor Maurice Durand’s expression. The Colombian team, who usually train in the municipal stadium, have quickly settled in, assisted by their local hosts. “Here, we feel protected by the special kindness and friendliness of every one of you,” declared Hernan GOMEZ, the Colombian coach, at the welcome reception organised by the town hall on Sunday morning.

The inhabitants are already charmed by the players’ attitude. “They don’t act like stars,” stressed a local woman. “You can meet them in a supermarket and ask for an autograph, and they’ll never refuse!”

Autograph-hunters are filling their books with no problem. Carlos VALDERRAMA, who’s been known in France since he played at Montpellier, is still the player most in demand for photos, even more than Parma’s Faustino ASPRILLA.

As soon as they arrived, on Thursday 4 June, the players went out to visit the town and meet the local youngsters.

Far from home, the Colombians are above all looking to meet people. Though confined to a section of their hotel, “Le Relais de la Tour”, they preferred to have dinner in the main dining room.

Numerous events are planned during the team’s stay. After a match against the team of La Tour du Pin, on Sunday, Colombia will play against a local team on Thursday 11 June, in late afternoon.

Programme of training sessions between June 8 and June 11, at La Tour du Pin municipal stadium

Monday June 8: 8 h 30 and 16 h 30

Tuesday June 9: 8 h 30 and 16 h 30

Wednesday 10 June: 8 h 30 and 16 h 30

The training sessions every morning are closed to the public, except for journalists. In the afternoon, training is open to the public.