France – capturing a legendary bicycling route
(01.09.2008) “After many months of thorough planning, Globeracer finally made it to France, where we followed closely behind the wheels of Tour de France participants. We had been looking forward to this for a long time,” says Daniel Grant Stub, Managing Director of Globeracer AS.
“One of the reasons for the demanding planning process, is that the filming of this premier French sporting event requires many approvals from the authorities, and a correspondingly thick pile of applications and documents – and we all know bureaucrats move at a slower pace than world-class bicycle racers.”
“Thanks to the good help of Norway’s Embassy in Paris, and helpful tips from our contacts and colleagues amongst French film makers, we were nonetheless on site and able to carry out our project in August,” says Daniel Grant Stub.
It was an intense three weeks with long and hectic days of filming. In order to catch the exquisite morning light, Globeracer started filming very early each day, only calling a day as the sun sand toward the horizon. But the endurance of the Tour de France participants was far more impressive – experienced bicyclists from Ålesund, Bergen and Rye Cycle Clubs.
“We were able to capture beautiful footage from all the challenging peaks we wanted, including Col du Gallibier, where there was in insistent cow in the middle of the road who obviously aspired to a starring role. And just wait until you see the film sequences of Alpe d’Huez’ 21 hairpin bends!”
“I would like to extend our deep gratitude to the French police who so kindly held back traffic while we filmed. This was vital for capturing the shots we wanted, both from ground level and aerial shots from the helicopter,” says Daniel Grant Stub.
“Some might be interested to know that we flew with the same JetSystem pilot who sat at the controls when Alpe d’Huez was filmed for television during this years Tour de France event. We really appreciated his skills as he slowly and precisely ascended just above the 21 hairpin turns,” adds photographer Thomas Løkkeberg.
Globeracer concluded its filming with calmer footage from the French Riviera, a strong contrast to the rugged terrain of the French Alps.
In the months to come, Globeracer’s customers can look forward to experiencing beautiful Provénce, sweating and getting an adrenalin rush while climbing the gruelling ascents and speeding down the steep descents.
It will be a true delight!