Which Vehicles Compete In The Annual Tour De France
The Tour De France, an annual cycling competition held in France, is a grueling race that tests the endurance of the best cyclists from around the world. The race covers a distance of over 3,500 kilometers and lasts for 21 days. It is watched by millions of people around the globe, and competitors use a variety of vehicles to compete in the race. In this article, we will explore the types of vehicles used in the Tour De France.
Bicycles
Undoubtedly, the most important vehicle used in the Tour De France is the bicycle. The race is open only to bicycles that meet strict UCI regulations, which govern everything from the width of the tires to the shape of the frame.
Over the years, there have been many different types of bicycles used in the Tour De France. However, in recent years, the most popular type of bike used by competitors is the road bike. Road bikes are lightweight and designed for speed, making them ideal for the long, flat stages of the race. They typically have narrow tires and drop handlebars that allow the cyclist to get into an aerodynamic position.
Mountain bikes and hybrid bikes are not allowed in the race.
Team Cars
Another important vehicle in the Tour De France is the team car. Each team in the race has a support vehicle that travels alongside the cyclists, providing them with water, food, and other supplies during the race.
The team cars are also used to transport spare bikes and wheels, as well as to provide medical assistance to the cyclists if they are injured during the race.
The team cars are typically large vans or SUVs and are equipped with racks on the back for carrying bikes. The support staff of the team travel in the vehicles to provide assistance to the cyclists.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles play an important role in the Tour De France as they are used by race officials to maintain order and safety during the race. The motorcycles travel ahead of the cyclists and provide advance warning of obstacles or hazards on the road, such as sharp turns, steep hills or obstructions.
The motorcycles also provide live coverage of the race, allowing viewers at home to follow the progress of the cyclists. Many of the cameras used to film the race are mounted on motorcycles, providing a unique perspective of the action.
Helicopters
Helicopters are used to provide aerial coverage of the race. They provide a bird's eye view of the action, allowing viewers to see the entire peloton and get a sense of the landscape that the cyclists are racing through. Helicopters also transport television crews and race officials.
Conclusion
The Tour De France is a grueling race that requires the use of several different types of vehicles in order to run smoothly. Bicycles are the most important vehicle used in the race, but team cars, motorcycles, and helicopters also play important roles in ensuring that the race is safe and well-organized.