The Tour de France Caravan, consists of 36 brands that distribute freebies to supporters before the cyclists arrive. We were able to interview Margot (20 years old) and Jérôme (28 years old) before the grand start of the race this afternoon for 3,333 km to meet the spectators of the Grand Loop.
Each year, people participating in this adventure each have a specific role: drivers, goodie distributors, entertainers… but also technicians, logisticians or brand coordinators. The Caravan, created in 1930, opens the road approximately two hours before the riders and forms a procession of decorated vehicles that showcases each brand’s universe. A true mobile advertising device, it operates like a small mobile enterprise, with teams responsible for entertainment, security, stock management and the smooth running of each stage.
Margot, youngest member of the Krys convoy
At 20 years old, Margot Vogel is about to temporarily trade her anatomy textbooks for the excitement of the Krys caravan. A medical student in Nice, she is preparing for her third year. Originally from Strasbourg, she landed what she considers a true « dream summer job. »
Her desire to participate in this adventure comes directly from her mother, who had the opportunity to experience the race in the past. « She told us it was really an experience you absolutely had to do, that it was truly memorable », recalls the young woman. So naturally, she tried her luck by sending an application video.
This summer, Margot will hold the position of distribution hostess, a mission ideal for her dynamic and open personality: « We’re somewhat within the race and also very close to the public, which is something that motivated me […] The public plays a big role in the atmosphere of the tour and its reputation. »
While the traveling pace and short nights in July may frighten some, Margot approaches the fatigue with disarming serenity, well-trained by her university life: « The pace doesn’t frighten me… I’m studying medicine. During exams, we don’t sleep much. » Her only slight concern is wanting to do her job well and be up to the task, but she feels reassured by her colleagues’ experience.
Although she keeps her feet on the ground — « We were told it’s in a festive atmosphere, but for us it remains work » — Margot slipped an old digital camera into her bag to capture the strong bonds that form within the team. Saying she’s both « nervous » and deeply « excited, » the youngest member can’t wait to hit the Tour de France roads.
Jérôme, experienced driver
At 28 years old, Jérôme Brami approaches the Tour de France with stars in his eyes. A Breton by origin — born in Vannes and raised in Lorient — he realized a childhood dream passed down by his father by settling in Nice in 2021 to study at School 42. Today self-employed, he moved away from IT to venture into vehicle and motorhome transport to Barcelona.
Yet in summer, this passionate cyclist puts his business on hold to rediscover what he calls his « working summer camp. » For his third consecutive year in the caravan — the second under the Basic-Fit colors — Jérôme doesn’t hide his happiness: « I’m living the happiest weeks of my life. The caravan is exceptional. »
At the wheel of the iconic « backpack » « quad » of the brand, his role is above all strategic. The only caravan member not distributing freebies due to lack of space, he dedicates himself entirely to regulating the procession. A technical task, as his vehicle equipped with a heavy structure sometimes proves « a bit wobbly. » He anticipates the public’s movements and manages space with the caravan ahead of him: « It’s a whole kind of racing science that develops over time to make it harmonious. »
This year, the grand departure abroad resonates strongly for him who works with Spain: he sees in it « a sort of cultural shock with a fervent population. » As a cycling enthusiast, he’s also eager to tackle Alpe d’Huez, one of those mythical passes that made him « dream watching television when [he was] very young. »
In his luggage, his running shoes to let loose with the group after stages and a small speaker to set the mood complete his essentials. On the eve of departure, his state of mind can be summed up in one word: « Excitement. » Complete impatience, sometimes tinged with anticipated nostalgia: « I see the days passing and I tell myself that it brings us a little closer to the end… I want to do this 12 months a year! »
Although they don’t know each other and are heading off on their own, Jérôme and Margot share the same impatience as the Grand Loop approaches. Whether it’s ensuring the safety of the procession or meeting spectators, both are preparing to experience an extraordinary month of July. These two inspiring profiles prove, each in their role, that the youth of the Côte d’Azur have no lack of dynamism or passion for taking on major summer challenges.
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