Tour de France highlights caravan staff roles and political ride‑outs

The 2026 Tour de France’s caravan includes a mobile official shop operated by hundreds of workers who describe their role as a “unique job in the world.” The shop runs twelve points of sale, half fixed in start and finish towns and six mobile units that travel with the caravan, distributing merchandise such as €20 fan packs. Optician brand Krys, a long‑time sponsor, supports the caravan with six vehicles and 15 staff members who hand out branded items to spectators along the route.

French politicians regularly accompany the race in the race director’s red car to gauge public sentiment. Recent appearances have included President Emmanuel Macron, former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, and ex‑president François Hollande. The practice, noted as a “good thermometer of the country,” dates back to Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007 and is seen as an opportunity for political figures to connect with voters during the high‑visibility event.