the caravan, this joyful tricolor madness

Sitting on a stone wall, Anne has the advertising goodies that pile up in her shopping bag. Moreover, A sachet of pig sausages, bottle of Puget olive oil, the Gauls keys … Moreover, The grandmother, originally from Pontarlier, where cyclists will arrive in a few hours, is proud of her harvest. Similarly, “It’s 8^e once I come to see the tour. Moreover, she explains, before chaining a big smile on our lips: I prefer caravan than cyclists. In addition, They pass too quickly, and then, they give us nothing at all ”.

This opinion. For example, a real blasphemy for aficionados From the small queen, seems to be shared by a good part of the public which is amazed along the roads of the Tour de France.

Morning smiles – Caravan, this joyful tricolor madness

It is around 7 caravan, this joyful tricolor madness a.m. Therefore, that, every day of the Tour de France, the convoy of the caravan comes alive. Therefore, Brands by brand, vehicles arrive. Nevertheless, And park in the parking lot assigned to them. Nevertheless, The whole, under the benevolent eye, see frankly amused, of the marshal.

It is from the small town of Nantua. Furthermore, in the heart of the Ain, that the caravan and the cyclists will today start, for a hilly stage of 184.2 km in the heart of the Jura.

“It’s really caravan, this joyful tricolor madness an incredible, crazy experience. Consequently, With the caravan teams, we are like a large family ”

In the departure parking lot, the good atmosphere reigns supreme. For example, Everyone greets each other, everyone knows each other, and laughter bursts. Meanwhile, Alice, 24, coated with sunscreen from the top of her tank. Moreover, She is a host for the famous brand of Tourtel drinks, elected 2^e Public favorite caravan in 2022. Furthermore, “We are here to put an atmosphere, and distribute cans to spectators. Our goal is to refresh the public! »»launches the girl. It’s 3^e Tour de France which she performs with the caravan, the “Best time of the year”she says. “It’s really an incredible, crazy experience. With the caravan teams. we are like a large family ”says Alice, who will answer present for the 2026 edition of the Tour de France.

A « Holiday colony for adults » – Caravan, this joyful tricolor madness

While the speakers spit in the French variety. a pétanque is organized in a parking area. A few meters away, Thierry Astique his tank. The dashing sixty -something is driver for the Gauls poultry brand. This year he celebrated his 60th anniversary this year on the Tour. “I come from Normandy, I have always soaked in the bicycle, he says. One day, I applied to join the Tour de France caravan, and I was taken. It was 11 years ago. »» With its 8 vehicles, the Gauls brand distributes around 650,000 goodies during the Tour. For Thierry, being part of the Tour de France caravan is an honor. And great joy. “Here, it’s like an adult holiday colony. Every summer, we find the friends for a month. What I prefer is to see public smiles. caravan, this joyful tricolor madness We distribute smiles… ”

“A pig or nothing”

It is now the time for departure. After a frenzied choreography, the convoy finally sets off. In the caravan, which has nearly 170 vehicles, the seven 2 horsepower fleet of the Cuchonou brand is a superstar. Adorned with the famous red and white dress called “Vichy”, cars dating from the 80s caused a sensation. And arouse wild reactions among spectators.

Precious goodies

These are ready to do anything to recover goodies. And in particular the Saint-Graal du Tour, the legendary Bob Cochonou. Tents, returned umbrellas, basketball basket or even W.-C bowl … everything is good to attract the attention of goodies donors. The latter launch on the fly the sachets of sausages. packets of pasta, mayonnaise tubes…

Just as they will acclaim cyclists in a few hours, many spectators who came to attend the penultimate stage, agitate flags, and applaud caravan, this joyful tricolor madness the advertising vehicles in choir. Besides the support of Jordan Jegat, or Kévin Vauquelin, a number of bits of boxes require goodies. “A pig or nothing”proclaims a sign brandished by a girl in ten years. His brother holds him at arm’s length a large wicker basket, already half filled with various and varied objects.

The gendarmes who monitor the roads of the tour of the Tour are not outdone from the roadside. And do not hesitate to greet the convoy with the hand. Or even take a side step to recover a pack of sausages.

Finish line

The finish line is closer, and is finally crossed by the convoy. But no question for the caravan to stop, and even less to take a break. The 2 horses of Pig. as well as their colleagues, are expected tomorrow in Paris, for the last stage of the Tour. The tired but happy caravan, this joyful tricolor madness air. Damien, driver of the 2 Limousine horses, spins his car on the truck that will take them to the capital. Sunday evening, a big party will bring together all of the caravan members. What to finish in style a month of racing that passes “Really too fast”as Thierry admits.