A Day in the Life of a Tour de France Femmes Social Media Manager: 12 Hours of Non-Stop Action and Adrenaline
Being a social media manager at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is an exhilarating and demanding experience. It's a whirlwind of activity, with no two days being the same. This article takes a deep dive into what a single day in the life of a social media manager during the race actually looks like, focusing on the challenges and rewards of covering the event.
The Day Begins Early
The day starts before dawn, with no breakfast at the hotel. Around 9 a.m., I head to a local coffee shop for an iced coffee, a giant plain croissant, and raspberry chia seed pudding. It's a European breakfast, and it sets the tone for the day. The coffee shop is bustling with fellow race workers, including Matt Stephens and the TNT Sports crew.
Packing and mapping my route for the day is crucial, as I need to be at a new hotel in the evening and navigate to the start of the stage in Lausanne. The press parking area is conveniently located near the waterfront, a short 10-minute drive away.
The Stage Commences
As the stage starts at 2:15 p.m., I head to the team presentation area to hunt for pre-stage content and quotes. Being in the front row, I witness the riders' departure, surrounded by a massive, enthusiastic crowd. The support for the women's race is overwhelming, and it's hard not to feel emotional. Demi Vollering's tears of gratitude to the public are a testament to the special atmosphere.
I rush to the mixed zone to grab quotes from FDJ-Suez, who announce their new sponsor, Red Bull, on the stage by changing into fresh helmets. I capture Vollering's excitement about the partnership and then head to the start line for the full band experience.
Race Coverage and Challenges
Once the race begins, I retreat to the press room to edit and post content. My goal is to produce two videos for social media within an hour. However, the heat is a constant challenge. Working outside in the blazing summer temperatures is exhausting, and the press room's fans provide limited relief.
As the race progresses, I leave the press room to cover the finish line, capturing interviews and video content. I interview second-place finisher Kim Le Court-Pienaar and get some cool-downs with Visma-Lease a Bike's mascot, Buzzy. The day's heat and intensity are evident, but the camaraderie among journalists is rewarding.
The Press Conference and End of the Day
Back at the press room, I edit and schedule content, ensuring timely race result posts. The formal press conference with stage winner Lorena Wiebes is a highlight, providing a moment of respite before the barrage of questions. I record her answers directly, as upload times for ASO footage are delayed.
The day ends with a 45-minute drive to the hotel in Yvorne, Switzerland. Despite the long hours and heat, I cherish the experience of being part of the best women's bike racing. The camaraderie among journalists is invaluable, and I wouldn't trade this challenging but rewarding job for anything.
A Day of Adrenaline and Camaraderie
Working the Tour de France Femmes is an adrenaline-fueled journey, demanding self-navigation, finding lunch, and enduring 12-plus-hour days. It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, offering a unique perspective on the world of women's bike racing.
