The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is a whirlwind of an event, offering a unique glimpse into the world of professional cycling. As an insider, I'm here to give you an exclusive look at what it's like to spend a day at this prestigious race.
The Early Morning Rush
My day began at 9 a.m., a little later than usual, with a European-style breakfast of coffee, a croissant, and chia seed pudding. It was a quick bite before the chaos began. The hotel buzzed with energy as other race personnel also fueled up for the day ahead.
A Day of Logistics
After breakfast, it was time to pack and plan my route. With the start and finish in Lausanne, Switzerland, I had a bit of an advantage in terms of travel time. But I still needed to time my arrival at the start line perfectly, and then make my way to the finish line later in the day.
The Electric Start
Arriving at the team presentation area, the atmosphere was electric. The crowd's enthusiasm was palpable, and even the riders couldn't hide their emotions. Demi Vollering, a fan favorite, got teary-eyed, and I admit, I felt the same way. It's a special feeling to be part of this historic event, witnessing the support and passion firsthand.
Race Day Challenges
Once the race began, I headed back to the press room to start editing and posting content. It's a delicate balance between managing the flow of information, editing videos, and staying on top of the race's progress. But the real challenge this year has been the heat. We're experiencing one of the hottest summers on record, and while the riders suffer the most, we media personnel aren't immune to the scorching temperatures either.
The Finish Line and Beyond
As the race neared its end, I made my way to the finish line area. It was a hot and sweaty walk, but I managed to capture some great moments, including the celebration on the SD Worx bus and an interview with Kim Le Court-Pienaar. I also got some footage of the Visma-Lease a Bike team's mascot, "Buzzy," keeping spirits high.
The Press Conference
After the race, I attended the press conference with stage winner and yellow jersey wearer Lorena Wiebes. These formal sit-downs give riders a chance to catch their breath and reflect on their achievements. It was a privilege to hear Wiebes' thoughts directly, especially as we were facing some delays with the official footage.
A Long Day's Work
Once the press conference wrapped up, it was a mad dash to get all the content edited, scheduled, and coordinated with the team back home. It's a constant race against time, especially with the Tour's fast-paced nature. By the time I arrived at the hotel for the night, I still had work to do, and sleep was a luxury that night, with the lack of air conditioning making it difficult to rest.
The Rewards of Hard Work
Despite the challenges, working the Tour de France Femmes is an incredible experience. It's more than just producing content; it's about navigating unfamiliar terrain, finding sustenance on the go, and enduring long, hot days. But the camaraderie with fellow journalists from around the world makes it all worthwhile. It's a privilege to be part of this historic event, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
In my opinion, the Tour de France Femmes is a testament to the growth and popularity of women's cycling. The support and enthusiasm from the crowd are a powerful reminder of the sport's potential. It's an honor to be a part of this movement, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for these incredible athletes.
