The Tour de France Femmes is a whirlwind of activity, and being on the ground as Velo's social media manager is an intense, 12-hour day filled with excitement and challenges. From the early morning coffee stop to the evening press conference, here's a glimpse into what a single day at the race actually looks like.
The Day Begins
I started my day around 9 a.m., skipping breakfast at the hotel and opting for a European-style meal at a local coffee shop. This simple choice set the tone for the day, as I joined the TNT Sports crew and felt the buzz of the race already building. Packing up and mapping out my route was crucial, as I needed to navigate to a new hotel and the start of the stage in Lausanne.
The Stage Commences
With the stage starting at 2:15 p.m., I headed to the team presentation area, a crucial moment for gathering pre-stage content and quotes. Being right where the riders rode off, I witnessed the impressive turnout and the emotional support from the crowd. Demi Vollering's tears of gratitude were a testament to the special atmosphere, and I felt a similar sense of awe.
The mixed zone and start line were next, where I captured quotes from FDJ-Suez and the exciting announcement of their new sponsor, Red Bull. The race director, Marion Rousse, and Christian Prudhomme added to the ceremony, and the stage was set.
During the Race
As the race began, I rushed back to the press room to edit and post content. The goal was to stay on top of timing and be efficient, but the heat was a constant challenge. Working outside in the blazing summer temperatures, we media personnel baked under the sun, waiting for riders and interviews. The press rooms offered some respite with TVs and fans, but the heat was relentless.
The Finish Line
Leaving the press room, I headed to the stage finish area, a 30-minute walk away. I waited for riders to come down to the paddock, capturing video content and post-stage interviews. The celebration of Lorena Wiebes' win and the second-place finisher, Kim Le Court-Pienaar, were memorable moments. The Visma-Lease a Bike team's buzz added to the excitement.
End of the Day
Back at the press room, I edited and prepared content for the next batch of posts. The formal press conference with Wiebes, the stage winner, was a highlight, and I recorded her answers directly due to slow upload times. The day's work was intense, and I headed back to the hotel, exhausted but fulfilled.
Despite the challenges, being part of the Tour de France Femmes is an incredible experience. The camaraderie among journalists and the opportunity to witness the best of women's bike racing make it all worthwhile. It's a demanding job, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.
