This year’s Tour de France is underway and you may have noticed some Ford vehicles supporting the cyclists and teams. Ford is the exclusive supplier of cars and vans for Team Sky and has been since 2016.
Team Sky is using Ford Mondeo wagons to transport the Sport Directors and team mechanics around the site, and the fleet also includes the Transit, S-MAX, Edge and Tourneo. Team Sky are particularly enamoured with Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive technology which helps the drivers to keep on track, whether they’re driving through the Alps or cobbled Belgian streets. The clever technology automatically adjusts the torque depending on how the vehicle is gripping the road.
The jewel in the crown is a frankly awesome 5.0 V8 Ford Mustang, decked out in Team sky colours and piloted by Rod Ellingworth, Head of Performance Operations. It comes complete with all the essential modern communication facilities he needs to warn the team riders or upcoming road conditions, specatator levels and approaching adverse weather.
Sharing centre stage this year will be the specially customised Ford Ranger, which is also showcasing Ford’s Share the Road campaign, helping cyclists to stay safer on the streets. The Ranger pickup has been fitted with a custom bike rack and will help to transport team members such as medics, feed zone teams and mechanics, as well as carrying equipment such as food, tools, spare parts and drinks. The Ranger is ideal for the job as it has a high driving position, helping the drivers to spot potholes and keep ahead of the game.
The Ford team has also designed a one-off Tourneo Custom to help cyclists recuperate while waiting for their podium finish. The people mover is fitted with a fridge and kitchenette, reclining seats, power outlets and gel blankets for riders.
“A key issue for a rider travelling in a support car is leg room. In the Tourneo Custom, the roomy cabin give a rider plenty of space to stretch out, put their feet up, get hot and cold recovery food and drinks and receive medical attention if needed. The luxurious trim and carpets add to the feeling of relaxation, while the versatile interior made it easy to fit the kitchen, fridge and storage units.” - Andrew Merryweather, Brand Experience Manager, Ford Europe.
