OOH LA LA!

Performance is genderless. We are the same but different. Our gender neutral approach to developing performance cycling clothing has been a core component of our brand since our beginning. Responsibility to the planet is not complete without consideration to how we treat the people who inhabit it.

One of the most powerful ways of breaking down the barriers of inequality is by treating everyone the same. The TdFF is a historical moment in our sport.

OOH LA LA! is a collaboration between TICCC and NMG Productions. Our objective was simple. To celebrate this historic occasion by bringing exclusive, daily, behind the scenes action. Allez Allez!!

Paris is the location for stage 01. The Eiffel Tower provides the backdrop for the team presentations and the riders enjoy every minute of it.

The race itself was a classic one. The peloton controlling the breakaways, the Champs Elysees cobble sections the scene for multiple crashes. Lorena Wiebes attacked at the last 100 metres to take the victory and the first yellow jersey. The Dutch woman was in tears when she saw her family and friends. As a junior rider she watched La Course in Paris on TV. This is a dream come true for her.

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NMG Productions

For the riders the challenge continues after the finish line — the media. This race has drawn a huge amount of journalists, including many who wouldn’t normally cover women’s racing. The riders have to navigate the mass of photographers, film crews and interviewers – minutes after a hard, hard 136km race. This is not something they are used to and for many riders it’s a little overwhelming.

Marianne Vos took the victory and the yellow jersey. The reward — millions of questions, some not that interesting, press duties and the obligatory selfies! This is the sign of progress.

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NMG Productions

Roll up, roll up, the tour’s in town! In a matter of hours a space is transformed into an experience. Although temporary, its legacy has inspired many to take to the bike, including some of the pro peloton.

A visit to the Fan Zone is essential. A chance to collect give-a-ways! Activities designed to get you in the mood. An opportunity to buy the t-shirt, and finally see the riders sign-on before the depart.

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NMG Productions

The mechanic — early starts and late nights. Setting up the bike for the next stage to the riders specification. Changing gear ratios, adjusting tyre pressure, saddle height, washing and general maintenance. It’s all about the bike. Getting it right, or wrong can make the difference.

Then pre race final checks, loading the team car and following the riders during the stage. On hand for bike changes and ‘on the fly’ adjustments. Different parcours, different challenges — a good mechanic has it covered.

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NMG Productions

Not so close and personal — no other sport allows you to get so close. This is what makes our work fun and special! We know the riders, and they know us. We laugh with them, we cry with them. Sometimes with joy, sometimes with pain. We are one big family. The riders are comfortable with us because we are always respectful and do what we can to promote their sport positively.

Usually our ability to move around and interact is easy and they are comfortable with having us around them. But this race is different. The increase in media attention means we are more restricted and they are a little uneasy. But this is the biggest women’s cycling race in the world, and you have to be here!

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NMG Productions

Relaxed or stressed? Over half way in the Tour de France Femmes. Only two stages left. Time for the GC battle to hit the mountains. We enter a different phase of the race. The atmosphere around the team buses is divided.

Some riders are more relaxed, happy to talk and share a joke. Their job may not be completely done, but they are on track with their objectives. Others show signs of pressure. For them the next two days are critical. Stage wins, ‘taking’ a jersey, team classification or a stand out performance is the currency here.

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NMG Productions

Unsung heroes — the race was blown apart! Around 20 minutes after the winner crosses the finish line the unsung heroes begin to arrive. Turned inside to out. On the limit. Totally done! These riders gave everything. They fight for position, they try and hold onto a jersey, or even just try to make it in before the time cut-off. This is the carnage Annemiek van Vleuten created when she decided to put he hammer down and boss the peloton. An incredible ride with a dramatic effect!

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NMG Productions

C’est fini — final preparations for the last, defining, and arguably most brutal stage of the race. 123.3km’s with three climbs, ending in a summit finish at the La Super Planche des Belles Filles. 8 stages, 1033km, 1 yellow jersey. Le Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift has delivered. It has undoubtedly put women’s racing where it needs and deserves to be. Front and centre, on the same stage as the men. Chapeau ladies! OHH LA LA!

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NMG Productions