Journalists, or ‘new media’ as described by the ASO, at the Tour de France, are graced with better access to the inner workings of the Tour de France peloton than many outlets.
Whether it’s a request to borrow Simon Clarke’s new Factor for photography at a team hotel, behind-the-rope access at the bus to photograph details for a tech gallery, or chatting with a rider, manager, or doctor to talk about ice baths, it’s usually fairly straightforward. There are a few COVID precautions that must be adhered to, but access is good.
Cyclingnews is lucky to access a perk that allows us to bring you behind-the-scenes content thanks to the time the team spends ‘on the ground’ at races.
However, there has been one area that has remained out of bounds even to us: The team bus. That all changed on Tuesday.
My considerably more-experienced colleague, our Head of News, Stephen Farrand, who has covered the Tour de France for nearly three decades, tells me that a decade ago, media would be invited onto the bus to watch the stage while riders weren’t there. But nowadays he says “They’re sacred. The closest you’ll get is an interview on the steps.”
Even further from our grasp is the pre-race team briefing, but at the start of Stage 4, an offer came in.
“If you’re around now and are interested in sitting in on the team meeting, I think it should be OK” came the message from Israel Premier-Tech.
Of course I’m interested! After a quick introduction and fist bump with sports director Rik Verbrugghe, I’m ushered onto the bus in what is certainly one of the more surreal moments at this year’s Tour.
Verbrugghe moves to the front, other staff stay standing at the rear, and riders sit comfortably in their swivelling, reclining leather chairs at either side of the central aisle. I perch at the top of the steps, over the right shoulder of Hugo Houle.
Before Verbrugghe gets into the upcoming presentation, he opens up the floor to discussion. It’s anything but formal, just a bunch of guys talking broadly about whether they feel up for it and fancy their chances. Corbin Strong is their best chance for success on the sprint finish on the motor racing circuit in Nogaro, so much of the discussion centres around him.
Shortly after, Verbrugghe begins. The television screen at the front of the bus becomes the focal point of riders’ attention, on it a presentation of the day’s key points. There’s no motivational or…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at CyclingNews RSS Feed…