2024-11-05 12:31:00
While the route of the Tour de France 2025 has just been revealed, a beautiful book published by Marabout which is released this Thursday, November 6 reveals behind the scenes of the biggest cycling race in the world. A big yellow bible to know everything about the Grande Boucle without ever daring to ask.
The color of the yellow jersey, this book pulls its weight. Nearly 340 pages during which the reader immerses himself in the heart of the Tour de France, a race which since its first edition in 1903 has fascinated the crowds every year in July. This Proust madeleine that we find every summer is the fruit of an organization that mobilizes thousands of people and dozens of trades.
Definition of the route and choice of stages, selection of teams, reconnaissance of the route… from D-300 until the arrival in Paris (exception made for Nice last year), Jean-Luc Gatellier, journalist and author of the work, takes us to the forefront of this exceptional race.
A work built like a time trial
Chronologically, the book is constructed like a time trial, from the preparation of the future course to the (successful) running of the race, including the revelation of the route in October at the Palais des Congrès. of Paris, without forgetting questions of logistics or security.
For this “titanic event”, nothing, absolutely nothing, is left to chance. Christian Prudhomme, the director of the Tour, and his teams define a year in advance “careful and precise retro-planning”. We must not be mistaken because, as Jean-Luc Gatellier writes, the third world sporting event which brings together “10 to 12 million people on the side of the roads is a huge, free, popular festival, an annual rite, a timeless social phenomenon and, for our country, an extraordinary tourist promotion with its broadcast in 190 countries”.
The Tour, “a thousand-piece puzzle”
For the 2024 edition, the organization – ASO – received 250 French and 30 foreign applications, for a final 39 stopover towns or sites (altitude resorts, passes) selected. No less thanaround a hundred preparation meetings are necessary to develop the route of approximately 3,500 kilometers. How is it built? What are the obstacles to overcome to complete this “thousand piece puzzle”? …this book teaches us a lot and it’s fascinating. And as everything is done in coordination with local stakeholders, we would also like to refer to an interview with Marcel Cannat, vice-president of the Hautes-Alpes Department, in charge of infrastructure, transport, Departmental heritage, security and military affairs, which we carried out last summer.
Details on runners’ nutrition, the team bus, the issue of data…
With great details, anecdotes, statistics and abundant iconography, “Behind the scenes of the Tour de France” explains to us the role and involvement of the different actors in the race: media (including the testimony of Christophe Pacaud, our colleague from Radio Sports), doctors, security, sponsors, public… Focuses are also placed on runners’ nutrition, hotels (see our article here), the team bus, anti-doping controls, management of rest days, data issue, the sacrosanct advertising caravan… There is not much missing to understand everything about the Grande Boucle. To keep in your library.
“Behind the scenes of the Tour de France”
By Jean-Luc Gatellier
Published by Marabout (Hachette group)
In bookstores November 6
336 pages, 59 euros
1730974353
#Total #immersion #scenes #Tour #France
Why was Picard cancelled
**Interview with Jean-Luc Gatellier, Author of “Behind the Scenes of the Tour de France”**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Jean-Luc! We’re excited to have you here to discuss your new book, “Behind the Scenes of the Tour de France,” which offers a deep dive into the organization of this iconic race. What inspired you to write this book?
**Jean-Luc Gatellier:** Thank you for having me! My passion for cycling and its rich history is what drove me to explore the intricate details of the Tour de France. For many fans, the Tour is an annual spectacle filled with drama and excitement, but I wanted to shine a light on the hard work and the myriad of individuals behind the scenes who make it all possible.
**Interviewer:** The book is described as a “big yellow bible” of the Tour de France. Can you elaborate on what readers can expect in terms of content?
**Jean-Luc Gatellier:** Absolutely! The book spans nearly 340 pages and is structured like a time trial, guiding readers through the preparation phases leading up to the race. We cover everything from route selection and team logistics to the complexities of security and nutrition planning for the riders. It’s filled with anecdotes, statistics, and visuals that bring to life the monumental effort that goes into organizing the Tour.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned logistics—how many people and what types of roles are involved in making the Tour happen every year?
**Jean-Luc Gatellier:** It truly is a massive collaborative effort. For the 2024 edition alone, ASO received 250 applications from French towns and 30 from abroad, ultimately selecting 39 locations. Around a hundred preparatory meetings are held to finalize a route of approximately 3,500 kilometers! It’s not just the cyclists; we have media teams, doctors, security staff, sponsors, and local stakeholders all playing crucial roles. It’s a beautiful tapestry of talent and cooperation.
**Interviewer:** Interesting! What was the most surprising thing you learned during your research for this book?
**Jean-Luc Gatellier:** One key takeaway was how meticulous the planning is—everything is done a year in advance. Christian Prudhomme and his team utilize a methodical “retro-planning” approach, leaving nothing to chance. It’s fascinating how the Tour isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a monumental festival that attracts millions and serves as a cultural phenomenon and tourist promotion for France.
**Interviewer:** Your book touches on various aspects such as runners’ nutrition and team dynamics. Why are these details vital for understanding the Tour?
**Jean-Luc Gatellier:** These factors are crucial for performance and safety. The diet and health management of the cyclists are often overlooked by casual fans, but they are essential for success in the race. Additionally, understanding how teams operate, how data is used for strategy, and even the intricacies of the advertising caravan deepens the appreciation of what it takes to compete in—let alone win—the Tour de France.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Jean-Luc. This book sounds like a must-read for anyone interested in cycling or sports management!
**Jean-Luc Gatellier:** Thank you! I hope readers find it as enlightening and enjoyable as I did while creating it. The Tour de France is not just about the race; it’s about the collaboration, history, and passion that fuels this incredible event.
