Stage Race Culture
Stage racing is
important to several states' tourism and economy. An
estimated 1.1 million spectators (based on Tour of Georgia and Tour of
California) will line the route every year to see the a major tour
first-hand,
some of them camping days in advance to get the best views. A
recognizable part of the crowd each day are characters such as "the
devil" (with its
beginnings from the Tour de France) and his counterpart, Specialized's
"angel" blowing kisses to the riders. Other new mascots are always
making
their appearance at stage races. In the hours before the
riders pass, a carnival atmosphere prevails. Any amateur cyclist is
free to attempt the course on his bicycle in the morning. After
which, some races have a garish cavalcade of advertising vehicles
blaring music
and tossing hats, souvenirs, sweets and free samples of all sorts. As
word passes that the riders are approaching, the fans begin to encroach
on the road until they are often just an arm's length from the riders.
Caravan
The race caravan consists of many vehicles in addition to
the riders, or peloton. At the head of the race, the police will stop
all traffic. Motor cycle marshals ensure the traffic remains
stopped and does not interfere with the race.
Next in line are the VIP, media vehicles, and Race Command vehicles. Race Command monitors the flow of the race from the front of the action. Interspersed between the groups of riders on the road are the Commissaire (referee) vehicles, motorcycle referees, the Timeboard motorcycle and Information Motorcycle, press motorcycles and vehicles, the race doctor, and neutral support vehicles.
Each team has its own vehicle, as well, which carries their own mechanic and team manager. At the tail of the caravan is the "broom wagon" which picks up any riders abandoning the race, and an ambulance. Following the ambulance, another set of police vehicles signal to motorists using the roadway that they may again continue traveling.
Fans
Cycling fans are passionate about the sport. They'll travel great distances and camp out to ensure they can see their favorite rider(s) make the tough mountain climbs or sprint across the finish line. You'll find sign carriers, face painters, flag wavers, and fans sporting the competition jerseys in support of their favorite rider. Some even dress in costume. Watching a bike race is free for spectators, but they'll spend a lot of tourism dollars in the towns along the race routes.
The
Festival
Professional bicycle racing carries a kind of festival atmosphere with it. Sponsor vehicles can go out in front of the race and toss free promotional items to the spectators. Mascots for sponsors are sometimes spotted along the route. At the finish areas, Exposition booths abound and food vendors keep the spectators happy. Music fills the air. The race in progress is viewed on a "jumbo tron" by the eager spectators and on televisions in the Hospitality/VIP areas. Announcers keep the crowds filled in on the progress of the race. Balloons, banners, people, food, music, vendors: all contribute to the festival atmosphere at the Host Finishing Cities.