{"id":28524,"date":"2015-06-30T09:48:24","date_gmt":"2015-06-30T07:48:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/?p=28524"},"modified":"2015-06-30T15:08:53","modified_gmt":"2015-06-30T13:08:53","slug":"leading-the-field","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2015\/06\/30\/leading-the-field\/","title":{"rendered":"Leading the Field"},"content":{"rendered":"

Managing the Tour de France is no easy task, requiring immense organisation and clear communication. At the heart of the logistical network, controlling all facets of the race, is the Red Car \u2013 a technologically modified mobile command centre from which Tour Director Christian Prudhomme manages the Tour.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Every morning Christian Prudhomme, director of the Tour de France, settles himself into the back seat of a specially modified \u0160koda Superb. In anticipation of the day\u2019s race stage, he stretches his 190 cm frame in the spacious interior and helps himself to a drink from the small refrigerator next to his command console. He radios his race marshals, checks in with race headquarters. Then, with everything in place, he gives the green light to start the day\u2019s stage, leading the peloton as it surges ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Just a few short weeks after being launched on the market, the new \u0160koda Superb is getting ready to roll into the global spotlight as the official Red Car in this year’s Tour de France. With the most interior space in its segment, the new \u0160koda Superb makes the perfect mobile command centre for Tour management.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The modified car features an impressive range of technical equipment, including six radio antennas on the roof, several microphones and four radio channels installed on a console. It\u2019s from here that Prudhomme will transmit and receive orders and information, organise traffic movement around the peloton, and stay in constant contact with race marshals and other Tour cars.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s from here he\u2019ll also entertain dignitaries such as French President Francois Hollande and possibly King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, ready to serve them chilled Champaign from the minibar and present them with panoramic views through the cars retractable glass roof.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Speaking about the car, Prudhomme says, \u2018I love my \u0160koda Superb. It’s a fantastic car. Gilles Maignan, my driver, is 6’2″ [190 cm] like me, and I can sit in the back very comfortably \u2013 even crossing my legs isn’t a problem. This year, I’ll have the privilege of travelling in this new generation and being able to try out these new comfort features.\u2019<\/p>\n