Par
Julien Boissel
Published on
June 28, 2024 at 5:32 p.m.
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“It’s a dream summer job. It’s going to be a mix of vacation and travel.”
Even if Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar will play the leading roles, from June 29 to July 21, 2024during the next Tour de France, they will never exceed Hugo Boitieroriginally from Saint-Paterne, near Alençon (Orne).
8,750 km during the Tour de France
The young man of 21 ans was selected to be one of the drivers of the Caravane du Tour. He will be behind the wheel of a brand promotional vehicle Ratsone of the main partners of the event.
If 3,500 km will be covered by the riders, the young Sarthe native will do around 8,750 km. “That doesn’t scare me,” assures Hugo Boitier nevertheless.
I have always loved driving since I started with accompanied driving. It is something I cannot explain.
Rotating paramedic From the start of the next school year, the caravanner will be brought up to speed in terms of long-term driving and extended hours on the Tour roads.
“On the contrary, it makes me want to be there even more. Of course, it will be three intense weeks, with fatigue, but we signed up to live them. »
A typical day for a Caravan driver
For three weeks, Hugo Boitier will follow “a sustained pace”, according to Thibaut Labadie, head of press relations at the Philippine Lauraire agency, which works for the Tour de France.
Wake-up call will be at 7 a.m. Once breakfast has been digested, the Caravanners will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot where all the brands making up the Caravan will gather.
Responsible for his vehicle, Hugo Boitier will have to clean and brick his car before each stage, with nothing other than a spray and a wipe. Before departure, a 15-minute choreography is performed by the 500 caravanners present, in order to be in shape and in a good mood to hit the road. At 11 a.m., the 10 km caravan will start their journey and will give away goodies and gifts over the seven or even nine hour journey. On the road, Hugo Boitier will be assisted by a manager who will give him information via headset following the progress of the race. Once you have reached the finish line, it will not yet be time to rest since it will be necessary to count on average another hour of work to ensure the transfer to the city which ensures the departure the next day.
Not a Tour de France enthusiast
Over the 23 days, Hugo Boitier is particularly waiting for the legendary mountain stages. “They are not monotonous and I will see magnificent landscapes with people everywhere on the roads. I think it’s going to be a hell of a vibe. »
Scenes that should remind him of his childhood. “These are my most memorable memories linked to the Tour de France, with the decorated trucks and the goodies offered. »
Because yes, it is not necessary to be a fan of the main event of cycling to lead the Advertising Caravan.
I’m really an average viewer. For example, I don’t really know this year’s favorites.
This is why even if the floats and promotional vehicles will not cross the Champs-Élysées for the first time since 1903, Hugo Boitier sees no problem with it. “I will have no regrets. We will finish in Nice and it will still be extraordinary. »
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