The Niçois had been waiting for it for a long time: they turned up in the masses! Two decades after the last European campaign and 3 years after having felt the European experience against Limassol, the Gym fans were able to step across borders to demonstrate their passion. An adventure told from the inside by Serge Gloumeaud, in a book called: “We are going to cross the world” (pocket book style, 165 pages, 10 Euros). Diving down behind the scenes of these unforgettable trips.

“To begin with, I didn’t plan to write, but it was so beautiful that I said to myself that I needed to keep a souvenir, so I made this book to do so. Those who have bought it and also made these trips, told me that they found themselves in the story, and those who were unable to make the trip informed me that it allowed them to keep a record…” Overview and sincerity surround this travel diary of the author-cum-supporter. A diary, filled with anecdotes, short stories and kilometres. Russia, Austria, Germany: the three countries revisited  retrospectively, for posterity. “It was a good trial run, we warmed up for the season to come, explained Serge Gloumeaud, with the voice filled with hope.  I am ready for the second volume. To release it would be a good sign…” Whilst waiting for new adventures, here’s a look back on 6 months away from home.

Krasnodar - Nice (5-2): “A trip back in time”

The first European trip in 2016/17 took the Gym to the edge of the Black Sea, in Russia, to Krasnodar. A distant riverside location visited, in the middle of the week by 17 fans. Fans who had to jump through numerous hoops (difficulties in obtaining visas, difficult travel options, complicated weather conditions…) to cheer on their side.

Something they did with huge fervour, contrasting the dampened and humid atmosphere of the Kuban Stadium. “Personally, I wasn’t in Krasnodar, the author recounted. I spoke to the 17 who made the trip, I chatted with them, especially with Marco. He explained to me that it was a trip back in time, Krasnodar having kept a Soviet feeling. A tricky trip to organise, with numerous things to manage, in another world…” Which gives some form behind the scenes.

Salzburg - Nice (0-1): “Unreal”

The second stage of the European campaign will always stay with us. In a charming Austrian village, more than 1200 Niçois made the trip with abnegation. By plane, bus, or car, Mozart’s city offered a trip bathed in sunshine. The weather playing a big role in the Aiglons’ victory and is deliciously described by the author.

“I was on one of the 10 buses that left the Allianz Riviera. The trip was epic. We left on the Wednesday at 8pm, with 12 hours of travelling ahead of us and a superb ambiance: it was a summer camp, everyone was happy. Salzburg is a really lovely city, we were walking around peacefully. Even the Austrians were for Nice, because since the buy-out by a famous drinks brand (Red Bull), they don’t support them anymore. To see so many Niçois there, 800km from Nice, for a match in the Europa League, it felt unreal. And in the stadium, we created a phenomenal atmosphere. The Populaire, the Supporters’ Club, the ARN, the individuals, the kids, everyone was mixed together. There was the win at the end of it, which is magnificent before a 12 hours return trip. In good spirits…”

Schalke - Nice (2-0): “Champions League level”

The final stage of the Niçois’ European tour took place in Gelsenkirchen. “There, we saw what Champions League level football is.” In a magnificent Veltins-Arena, filled copiously, the Gym couldn’t break down Schalke 04 (0-2), despite the unfailing support from the fans.

He keeps, however the memory of a bright vessel, with a crazy intensity, and a desire that the experience produced: get back into Europe! “Even though there was little at stake, there were still lots of people up there, remembered Gloumeaud. I went there by plane and, when we arrived, the police took charge of us straight away and lead us to an area of Gelsenkirchen. It wasn’t the nicest place, unlike Salzburg, but we were in the pubs and we enjoyed ourselves. As for the stadium, it was beautiful… And even though we were outnumbered by the Germans, we still managed to make ourselves heard.”

C.D.

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