13 de February de 2025

Acbrnews

AcbrNews mobility, traffic safety e motorsports

Tour de France: Find out how to follow the famous cycling race ‘living’ in a motorhome | Estadão Mobility |

4 min read

The largest and most important bicycle race in the world – some point to it as the sporting event with the largest in-person audience on the planet – the Tour de France is a traveling spectacle that is worth contemplating in detail, day after day, something that a recreational vehicle favors.

After all, it is basically a mega road competition. Apart from a few stretches of gravel, the almost 3,500 km of the race takes place on paved roads that are primarily local, with a free grandstand on the shoulders.

Being able to camp on four wheels at the edge of the asphalt along which 176 cyclists will parade and raise the awning behind the next stage without worrying about hotel reservations, packing and unpacking bags, check-ins and check-outs and queues at restaurants It is seen by many as a privilege. The flexibility to come and go, in fact, is one of the most popular attractions among motorhome lovers.

Tour de France setting also helps

For three weeks, cyclists follow a charming route that in itself is worth the decision to accompany you on a traveling tour. In the 111th edition of the competition, which took place between June 29 and July 21, the route began in Italian tourist cities, such as Bologna and Florence, passed through cozy locations in Italy and entered cinematic paradises on the French Riviera. As it is a tall car, the panorama is even wider for the occupants.

Another favorable point is the community atmosphere that surrounds those who choose this means of transport. In campsites or in improvised parking lots amidst the nature of the Alps, it is possible to meet fans from different backgrounds exchanging photos, experiences and information in an atmosphere that is generally super friendly, simple and open-minded.

Read also: Find out how to plan to follow the Tour de France in 2025

Competition with 176 cyclists passed through several roads and cities in France. Photo: Mônica Manir/Estadão

Daily cost

It is estimated that, each year, around 10 thousand motorhomes follow the Tour de France, either from end to end or in scattered stages. There are models designed for the whole family, for smaller groups, for couples. Those who wish to cultivate a nomadic life beyond the Tour or other similar competitions, such as the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España, invariably buy motorhomes and customize them according to taste, needs and possessions.

But renting has been a very popular option, especially if you really want to limit your trip to the competition, extending it to the period left over from your vacation. A motorhome rental in France in a basic model such as a campervan – modified common vans that accommodate up to two bunk beds and a small kitchen and are easier to drive and park – is usually around €110 per day, but the daily cost can reach at €160, also considering the extended mileage package and the premium insurance and assistance package. Prices at this time are higher, due to the high season.

The gas consumption of these campervans is around 9 km/l on the road, at a cost of around €1.85 per liter. Manufacturers recommend that you also add an additive (AdBlue) which, despite having blue on the label, is transparent. Used in diesel engines to reduce gas emissions, it is in line with the proposal to reduce pollution on roads and in the air, it is non-toxic and can be found in supermarkets.

Read too: The challenges of traveling by motorhome in Brazil

Training for the trip

It might be a good idea to take a test drive in Brazil before opting for a motorhome in Europe or the USA, another very charismatic destination. By comparison, however, the country still cycles with training wheels in terms of trips with motorhomes. But the scenario has been changing after the pandemic, with an increase of around 40% in demand for recreational vehicles. “There are approximately 20 thousand pieces of equipment running across the country”, says Marcus Pinto, president of the National Association of Trailer, Trailer and Coupler Manufacturers (Anfatre). It refers to around 99% of trailers and a minority of motorhomes.

The USA, according to Marcus, produced 600,000 of these pieces of equipment in 2022, five times more than Brazil produces trucks and buses annually. And this summer, 34 million Americans are expected to travel across the US in RVs and motorhomes.

It’s a matter of changing your lifestyle, says Marcus Pinto, also owner of Itu Trailer, a company based in the interior city that gives it its name and is the exclusive reseller of the Winnebago and Jayco brands in Brazil.

“After the pandemic, people became more minimalist, started to invest more in today’s life and want a healthier coexistence, without distinction of social class, as usually happens in campsites”, says Marcus Pinto.

Felipe Rodrigues, marketing coordinator at Expo Motorhome, highlights that the pandemic catalyzed the modality also by boosting home working. Expo Motorhome, the largest camping and caravanning fair in Latin America, has its 8th edition scheduled for the period from November 13th to 17th, in the city of Pinhais (PR).

Speaking of campsites, there must be around 5 thousand of them in the country, and Anfatre is looking for partners and alternatives in these structural areas, such as toll plazas, parks and gas station networks, that can welcome caravanners more safely.

Another characteristic of customers who are interested in recreational vehicles in Brazil has to do with sport. Anyone who wants to train or participate in motocross and mountain biking competitions, for example, can take the family along in the van so they can better accommodate themselves, enjoy nature and interaction with other families – and still cheer at the finish line, bien sûr. Allez, allez!

Tour de France in 2024

111th edition of the competition

176 cyclists involved

21 steps

3,492 km of roads

The post Tour de France: Find out how to follow the famous cycling race ‘living’ in a motorhome appeared first on Estadão Mobility.

https://mobilidade.estadao.com.br/mobilidade-para-que/tour-de-france-como-acomprar-a-mais-famosa-prova-de-ciclismo-do-mundo-morando-em-motorhome/
Author: Dante Grecco

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *