How the Tour was made: A behind the scenes look at Eurosport’s coverage of the 2017 Tour de France
The Tour de France is over, the riders have headed for some well-deserved rest and the Eurosport team have packed the mobile studio into storage.
But what is it actually like covering the greatest road race in the world?
We’re able to give you a sneak peak of the final week on tour, courtesy of photos and videos taken by the whole team*: Rob Hatch, Carlton Kirby, Brian Smith, Jonathan Edwards, producer Doug Ferguson, Ashley House, Laura Meseguer and the rest.
(*Sean Kelly would have contributed, but he was too tired from his role of sampling every red wine in France)
Sunday
The most chilled out man in the peloton joined Eurosport in the studio before talking Rob Hatch through his race diet in an hilarious Facebook Live.
Taylor Phinney LIVE: Rob Hatch talks to the Cannondale-Drapac man at Le Tour de France!
Publié par Eurosport sur dimanche 16 juillet 2017
But for Orica-Scott rider Mathew Hayman it was the prospect of a rest day that was truly tantalising.
“Living the dream!”@Mathew_Hayman and @estecharu explain what really goes on during a rest day in the latest #TDF2017 video diary… pic.twitter.com/sb3JgmPUbS
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) July 17, 2017
Monday
The rest day gave the team a chance to test their legs and go for a ride, before gathering in Jonathan Edwards’ room for a debrief live on Facebook.
This morning I have mostly been being @mckenna_94 thanks for the loan of the bike Sean! (Kelly said it was ok!) pic.twitter.com/BwhgrxxXMc
— Doug Ferguson (@DJF2682) July 17, 2017
Live Le Tour de France chat with Jonathan Edwards, Rob Hatch and Brian Smith… send in your questions!
Publié par Eurosport sur lundi 17 juillet 2017
TUESDAY
Tuesday saw the race resume and the team’s noses return to the grindstone… if a French cafe can ever be called a grindstone!
WEDNESDAY
A return to the mountains was much-welcomed on Wednesday.
Thursday
Thursday introduced the added excitement of La Course to proceedings, with Joanna Rowsell-Shand joining Eurosport for coverage of the entertaining first day in the Alps.
Meanwhile, Ashley House was being entertained by some serious skills in the press tent…
FRIDAY
The decisive day of the Tour had Mathew Hayman all excited.
. @Mathew_Hayman is expecting fireworks on today’s mammoth Stage 19 #TDF2017 pic.twitter.com/w2cK5px1ex
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) July 21, 2017
And it’s fair to say that Matt Stephens was pretty excited too!
.@RealStephens and @carltonkirby after three weeks of Tour de France coverage together… pic.twitter.com/SfC3dYduTe
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) July 21, 2017
While Matt was larking around, Laura Meseguer was being the uber-professional she is and capturing the fan atmosphere on the Isoard.
SATURDAY
Saturday’s time trial had its critics, but the Eurosport team were certainly blown away by the stadium finish to the stage.
And of course Jo Rowsell-Shand was back for the conclusion of La Course.
We’re not complaining… what an amazing venue for today’s ITT start and finish! pic.twitter.com/WrBeEmnj48
— Carlton Kirby (@carltonkirby) July 22, 2017
Here we go! @TeamSky‘s Luke Rowe heads down the ramp and into Marseille #TDF2017 pic.twitter.com/LPhzjxOpvx
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) July 22, 2017
It was rather hot in the @Eurosport_UK comms booth today… @robhatchtv #sweaty #TDF2017 pic.twitter.com/Zifhrr8mpf
— Matt Stephens (@RealStephens) July 22, 2017
Bardet start. atmosphere! Imagine the noise when full. #TDF pic.twitter.com/f3C0S7IjER
— Rob Hatch (@robhatchtv) July 22, 2017
SUNDAY
But Sunday’s ride into Paris was what it was all about. The final stage had a celebratory air… and not just out on the roads.
The team could also afford to relax slightly, although know that they have plenty of interviews to do when the racing comes to an end.
You can feel the speed… #TDF pic.twitter.com/2Qhtrnb4DN
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) July 23, 2017
Sir Dave Brailsford was happy to join Jonathan and Brian for an extended interview after claiming a brilliant individual and team triumph.
And the relief of the race being finally over was too much for Ashley and Laura (we’re sure it was just relief, nothing to do with the free-flowing Champers).
To everyone who watched the Tour on Eurosport 1 and Eurosport Player, thank you.
As Carlton Kirby eloquently said on twitter:
“Without your support there is no show.”
Dust settling after a hectic three weeks. Can I just pass on the thanks of everyone @Eurosport_UK Without your support there is no show xxx
— Carlton Kirby (@carltonkirby) July 23, 2017
Good night from Paris. Hope you enjoyed #letour2017 on @Eurosport_UK pic.twitter.com/U38OKXfTRd
— Doug Ferguson (@DJF2682) July 23, 2017
But don’t worry, you don’t have long to wait for more Grand Tour action. We’ll be back in just under four weeks with full coverage of the Vuelta Espana.
