The Incredible Logistics Of The Tour De France | Inside Neutral Service with GCN
Source: GCN Youtube Channel: The Incredible Logistics Of The Tour De France | Inside Neutral Service
Video The Incredible Logistics Of The Tour De France | Inside Neutral Service with Global Cycling Network
Video The Incredible Logistics Of The Tour De France | Inside Neutral Service with Global Cycling Network YouTube Channel.
The Incredible Logistics Of The Tour De France | Inside Neutral Service
Global Cycling Network: Behind the Scenes with Shimano Neutral Service
In the fast-paced world of professional cycling, every second counts. From sprint finishes to grueling climbs, riders push themselves to the limit in pursuit of victory. But what happens when disaster strikes on the open road? That’s where Shimano Neutral Service comes in.
In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes to explore the inner workings of Shimano Neutral Service, the unsung heroes of the pro cycling world. From spare wheels to specialized bikes, these dedicated professionals are always ready to lend a helping hand when riders need it most.
The Shimano Neutral Service team is like a well-oiled machine, with a mission to support every rider in the peloton, regardless of their team affiliation. Constan and Bruno, the masterminds behind the operation, oversee a fleet of 64 pairs of wheels and 18 bikes, along with a multitude of water bottles, energy bars, and gels. Their task is no small feat, but they tackle it with precision and dedication.
Logistical Nightmare: Solving the Puzzle of Rider Support
One of the biggest challenges faced by the Shimano Neutral Service team is the sheer diversity of riders in the peloton. From small climbers to towering sprinters, each rider has unique needs when it comes to bike size and fit. Constanza explains, “We have a big puzzle to solve because we have a peloton of 200 riders, each with different body lengths. Our challenge is to provide everyone with a fitting bike in case it’s needed.”
To meet this challenge, Shimano Neutral Service equips each car with six bikes in three different frame sizes – small, medium, and large. They also utilize dropper seat posts to adjust the saddle height on the fly, ensuring a perfect fit for riders of all shapes and sizes. This level of customization is crucial in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of their support system.
Pedal Power: Adapting to Different Pedal Systems
In addition to bike size and fit, Shimano Neutral Service must also accommodate a variety of pedal systems used by different teams. With four different pedal systems in play, including Shimano and competitor brands, the mechanics must be prepared to handle any situation that arises. Constanza explains, “We always check before the race which teams are participating and adjust our setup accordingly. We aim to provide support for every rider, regardless of their pedal system.”
To streamline the process, the team utilizes a system of estimation and mathematics to determine the most commonly used pedal systems in the peloton. By focusing on the majority, they are able to maximize their efficiency and ensure that every rider receives the support they need.
Supporting the Stars: Specialized Assistance for GC Contenders
At races like the Tour de France, Shimano Neutral Service goes the extra mile to support the top contenders in the general classification. By preparing up to four bikes for the leading riders, they ensure that each GC contender has a bike set up to their exact specifications. This level of personalized assistance can make a difference in crucial moments of the race, ensuring that the leaders have everything they need to perform at their best.
Telemetry and Communication: Staying Ahead of the Race
To stay ahead of the fast-paced action on the road, Shimano Neutral Service relies on telemetry systems and real-time communication to monitor the position of riders in the peloton. Through the use of tablets and data from Dimension Data, they can track the location of each rider and adjust their position accordingly. This information is crucial in making split-second decisions and ensuring the safety of both riders and support vehicles on the road.
In addition to telemetry, the team also utilizes a network of communication between the three cars and motorbikes on the road. By coordinating their efforts and staying in constant contact, they can ensure that every group of riders is covered and supported throughout the race. This level of teamwork and coordination is essential in providing effective and efficient support to the riders on the road.
The Human Touch: Making a Difference, One Wheel at a Time
Despite the challenges and complexities of their job, the Shimano Neutral Service team takes pride in the small moments of gratitude they receive from riders. Whether it’s a simple thank you or a word of appreciation, these moments of recognition make all the hard work and long hours worthwhile. In the end, they are the unsung heroes of the peloton, always ready to lend a helping hand when it’s needed most.
From changing wheels to handing out bottles, the Shimano Neutral Service team goes above and beyond to support the riders on the road. Their dedication and commitment to their craft make them an essential part of the pro cycling world, ensuring that every rider has the support they need to succeed. So next time you watch a race, spare a thought for the men and women behind the scenes who keep the wheels turning – literally.
The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel Global Cycling Network and do not necessarily represent the views of Bicycles4ever Cycling Culture.
