Well before the Tour de France 2021 kicked off in Brest, Brittany, France on June 26, preparations were underway to broadcast the event worldwide. Race coverage requires the highest quality equipment, diligent technicians and an artful lens to convey the story of the most outstanding and highly respected bike riding competition in the world.

Enter Papa Sierra.

Based in Paris, France, Papa Sierra provides top-notch aerial shoots for cinema, events and advertising. A GSS partner for over five years, Papa Sierra owns and operates a full fleet of Gyro-Stabilized Systems gimbals used on helicopters and operated by some of the best technicians in the business.

Having covered this epic race for over a decade, Papa Sierra has the expertise and insight on just how and what to do. This year, they are utilizing two shooting helicopters each equipped with two gimbals – one with a wide angle lens and the other with a 45x telephoto lens for long zoom work. In addition to filming the race, these crews also provide stunning aerial footage of significant sites and landscapes crossing the route.

Here’s how it works: The director proposes a composition and the result becomes a team effort between the pilot and the operator. From a wide shot to a tight close-up of a cyclist, communication is essential to providing the director just what they are looking for. In this way, the coverage is an exciting information exchange between the aerial teams and the director who tells the story of the race using motorcycles and helicopters.

According to Frédéric SPRIET, Owner of Papa Sierra, the gimbal function they most heavily rely on is stability. “The stability of the gimbal allows the zoom to be carried out at very long focal lengths. This is an indispensable tool for covering sporting events such as car, boat and cycle races. GSS is the most stable gimbal in the world making it the perfect match for the most elite bike race in the world.”

In addition to “monstrous stability,” a gimbal function the operators appreciate is “Topshot in G mode” also known as POV mode or platform guided stabilization. This allows the operator to hold the racers in the shot during the heart-pounding final sprint through tiny villages at the end of each day’s race - even if the chopper is going too far and between buildings. 

One of the many artful ways these seasoned operators provide an immersive audience experience is by utilizing the “magnificent 45x Canon lens with the Sony P50” to capture facial expressions and even discussions between the racers. This often happens during the mountain stages while flying at the same altitude as the cyclists.

Equipped with four GSS gimbals, SPRIET is confident his team will secure exactly what is needed all the way to the finish line.

For Tour de France 2021 coverage, check out TV: NBCSN Stream: Peacock.

For more information on Papa Sierra, go to https://papasierra.fr/en/. Photos by Stéphane Azouze.