On your marks? Get set! Roll...

■ Around 600 people took part in the roller parade. Good humor, falls, and sunshine were all on the agenda BRUSSELS ▼ Experienced skaters were present... Beginners too! On Sunday at 11:30 a.m., hundreds of people were swaying gracefully for some, with difficulty for others, on the ground of the Schuman roundabout. The second roller parade on the occasion of National Day was about to begin... The police escorted the event. “There are a dozen trained roller-skating police officers today and 15 others accompanying the parade on bicycles,” explains Joël Dekeyzer, a police officer from Brussels-Capital-Ixelles. “We expect a thousand people, maybe more. The route is a bit more complicated than last year... But very doable. It's still a family event...” Indeed, there were roller fans of all ages. Quentin, 14, was one of the beginners: “I skate occasionally. I'm a bit afraid of falling.” Christophe, 30, is more of an experienced skater: “I've been skating for nine months. I did the roller parade in Namur, Liège,...” A few warm-ups later, Prince Laurent finally made his appearance, to everyone's delight. With his usual spontaneity, he hopped on a scooter and gave the start of the parade, without taking part all the way to the end. On this eve of July 21st, the Prince had other obligations to fulfill. Once the kickoff was given, falls due to haste and excitement were immediate. Those who managed to channel their agitation were able to set off for a ride of about 20 kilometers. Some were balancing on one foot, while others couldn't manage on two! But despite a few spectacular slips and the overwhelming heat, good spirits prevailed. The excellent organization certainly played a part as well. At 1:50 p.m., after an hour and twenty minutes of effort, back to the starting point. Satisfaction was general. The Red Cross counted fewer minor injuries than usual, and Carl de Moncharline, the organizer, said he was delighted with this second edition. As for the participants, they were trying as best they could to catch their breath...