Tour de France halves in-race photography motorbikes from 18 to 9

Before Covid-19, the Tour de France accredited 18 in-race photography motorbikes — bikes carrying a photographer through the convoy ahead of the peloton, the main pack. By 2026, that number stands at nine. Fewer bikes mean fewer angles covered and fewer chances to capture the moment a race breaks open. The Guardian published the figures in a photo essay by photographer Pete Goding on 28 July 2026.