"We’re going to think about how to do it in a safe way" - Could drone cameras soon be used on the Tour de France?

Could the traditional 'tacatacataca' soundtrack from helicopters up above races such as the Tour de France, soon be a thing of the past?

After the success of drone footage at the recent Paris-Nice, Tour de France organisers are set to discuss the addition of drone cameras in the biggest race of the year. "Based on the feedback we had [from Paris-Nice], everybody loved it," Anthony Forestier, broadcast director at France Télévisions, told RMC Sport. "Some teams even got in touch with us to ask us to share the footage with them."

"Nothing is in place, but we’re thinking about it," he continues. "There are two time trials in the Tour this year, and then a stage around Troyes with gravel roads which is going to be spectacular. We’re going to sit down soon with the UCI, ASO and the teams to discuss if it’s worthwhile. That seems to be the case, so we’re going to think about how to do it in a safe way."

The use of these cameras has brought a whole new element to cyclocross and mountain bike since their introduction, giving a unique view of the races to the fan sitting at home. To answer the earlier question of whether drones could replace helicopters though, Forestier isn't so sure.

"There to put us in the riders’ shoes," he concludes, pointing out that helicopters will always give a better view of the surrounding scenery. "We need to think about the best way to put them in place. But, whatever the case, drones are an excellent way to make the product as beautiful as possible."