In watching the coverage of this year’s Tour two things (among others) came to mind:
The camera helicopter pilots have a very, very dangerous job. They fly at low altitude for long periods in close proximity to power lines, buildings, trees. While they may not fly in all weather (I don’t know- I assume they observe typical VFR standards). This has got be a difficult, demanding and tiring job. Also, the air space is fairly crowded with other light aircraft. The Tour also emplys at least one signal relay aircraft, on station over the event during the entire race.
The journalists covering the event from the press motorcycles also have a difficult job that IS perfromed in all weather. They are on the Moto for hours and have to be in the right place at the right time for their shot/story. That has got to be a tough job. I see them wearing Camelbaks and eating on the back of the bikes. Same for the Moto pilots. Difficult job in the best of circumstances, even tougher in rotten weather.
I would say the cameramen on the back of the motorcycles are entirely insane. Caught a shot from a helicopter of a guy standing up on the running boards with camera on shoulder while the bike wound through the throngs of drunk spectators. Takes balance, and supreme confidence in the driver, and of course, luck.
Ever see them leaning waaaaaayyyyyyyy over to get the low shot of a rider’s cogset? What would happen if the driver socked a chuckhole with the cameraman’s head a foot off the pavement at 25 mph?
I understand many of the Moto drivers are actually former cyclists.
Not surprising - steering a 600+ pound bike with two humans on it, one doing something entirely different than helping you balance and steer, that requires some bike-handling skills, I suspect.
The guys driving the motorcycles love every second of it, especially when they get to descend. Riding a motorcycle is immense fun. I raced a little too. I am married so I dont have one anymore. Mountain biking gives me almost the same thrill.
As a rider of both types of two wheeled death-traps, I think they require largely separate skill sets. Not that either one is easier or harder, just totally different.
…and multiply this by 23 days! I remind myself often that this is not a one day event like so many of us are used to, it’s three weeks of every day being critical. The logistics boggle my mind. The news crews, race logostics, and the team support crews have got to be as physically and emotionally drained as the riders, if not more.