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Nice terror attack: Clement Sordet writes 'Pray for Nice' on cap as French flag is flown at half-mast at the Open

At least 84 people, including several children, were killed when a lorry was driven into large crowds in the Mediterranean city

Samuel Stevens
Friday 15 July 2016 09:46 BST
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France's Clement Sorbet reveals his cap at the Open which reads: 'Pray for Nice'
France's Clement Sorbet reveals his cap at the Open which reads: 'Pray for Nice' (Getty)

The French flag has been flown at half-mast and black ribbons made available to players at first tee at the Open Championship following the Bastille Day terror attack in Nice.

At least 84 people, including several children, were killed when a lorry was driven into large crowds in the Mediterranean city during a firework display on Thursday night.

The Open’s organisers R&A will distribute black ribbons to those who choose to wear them on Friday morning in the aftermath of the attack, which comes eight months after Paris was hit by a wave of assaults which resulted in the death of 130 people.

France’s Clement Sordet paid his own tribute to the victims by writing “Pray For Nice” on his cap as the 23-year-old teed off in the opening group of the day at 6.35am at Troon.

Elsewhere, the Tour de France got back underway under tight security in Mont Ventoux as the riders observed a minute’s silence after race director Christian Prudhomme demanded “a day of dignity” following the latest attack to hit France.

“We had a crisis meeting with the prefect of the Ardeche department and the gendarmerie. The stage is on,” Prudhomme said. “We want this day to be a day of dignity as a tribute to the victims.

Chris Froome's tribute to Nice victims

“We asked ourselves [whether the stage should be cancelled] but we think, after agreeing with authorities, that the race must continue.”

Defending champion Chris Froome, the current holder of the yellow jersey, posted a picture of the blue, white and red French flag on Twitter on Friday and wrote: “Thoughts are with those affected by the horrific terror attack in Nice.”

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