VeloViewer Office Manager, Rachel Davison shares her experience at the Women’s Tour of Britain….
Last Friday I was proud to represent VeloViewer at the Women’s Tour of Britain Stage 2 in Wrexham together with our Communication Consultant, Lucy. After an early start from Sheffield across the Peak District and over the border into Wales, a wrong turn and some very understanding marshalls, we were finally directed to park in the same car park just as the team coaches/cars started to turn up.
Shortly after arriving we met Andy Hawes, Route Director, who had kindly completed an earlier Q&A about using the VeloViewer WorldTour software. It was great to finally meet in person and put a face to a name. I was thrilled to receive first hand feedback from Andy and some of his colleagues at British Cycling Events about their experiences using the software. Although Andy has previously used the VeloViewer WorldTour package, this is the first time British Cycling Events have used it to organise a race and it had exceeded their expectations – they are now complete converts from the pen and paper of previous years!
We toured around the teams area, viewed race preparations, chatted to team support staff and had some photos with the Team GB riders. I expected the riders to be focused and not wanting to interact so I was pleasantly surprised at how generous they were with their time. It was alarming to hear that Lifeplus-Wahoo had had their entire fleet of bikes stolen the night before but also heartwarming to hear that they had been fixed up with replacements by their fellow teams. I loved the washing machines on the go in the ‘boot’ of some of the coaches…perhaps I’ll bring a load next time!
Excitement was growing as the teams were introduced to the crowds as they then made their way to the start line. The flags were waving and the cheers were peaking as the clock clicked to 11.15am as the race began with the neutralised procession and Lotte Kopecky leading the way….moments later they were out of sight!
We were really looking forward to Gaucho providing the catering and they certainly didn’t disappoint with steak with chimichurri and chips for lunch! Delicious!
Sadly, we couldn’t stay for the finish so made the long journey home after a thoroughly enjoyable morning flying the flag for VeloViewer. A big thank you to British Cycling Events for the kind invitation to Wrexham. As a newbie to the world of cycling, I loved my immersive experience, in particular talking to those who use the VeloViewer WorldTour software. It feels very special to be part of a small family-run business that is making a real difference to how professional cycling teams and now race organisers plan and operate. I’m already looking forward to the Men’s Tour of Britain in September where hopefully it will be it a little closer to home as there is talk of a provisional South Yorkshire stage!