With the Tour de France Photographer on Capturing the Best Cyclists on Earth
You don't have to be one of the best cyclists in the world to be a regular at the Tour de France. You just need to be the absolute top photographer in the world. Like Markéta Navrátilová, one of the few photographers who covered La Grande Boucle from the saddle of a motorcycle 25 times. You'll learn what it's like to be part of one of the world's biggest sporting events and witness it in a way most of us will never see it.
Do you remember what you were doing in July 1992? Markéta Navrátilová was walking the Tour de France course for the first time, camera in hand. Was she mesmerized by the fast descents, steep climbs, or the high-end bikes? Not really. However, it was the time when she discovered her passion for photography.
Markéta first started working for the UK’s Photosport International, and in 1997, she moved to the Dutch press agency Cor Vos. Even today, after an incredible 25-year career, she declares that her true interest lies in photography rather than cycling. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, for many years, she was the only woman mounted on a motorbike who was capturing the peloton through the viewfinder of a camera.
The team from Life in the Saddle podcast had the opportunity to meet Markéta in the spring months. And we believe it is one of the most captivating episodes of our podcast. As Markéta talked about the physical demands of photographing the spring classics in heavy rain, how to make the right decisions, which situations to capture and which to leave behind, we found ourselves holding our breath, transitioning from hosts to listeners. Her storytelling was truly powerful.
Although Markéta may have given up her spot in the Tour de France to others, she has not abandoned cycling photography. For example, she accompanied all three previous Czech editions of L'Etape Czech Republic by Tour de France, where Posedla were a partner this year.
The second brief encounter with the author of legendary photographs, which you could not have missed in the media, took place on June 20th, 2023, at the exhibition opening in the Bořislavka Centre in Prague. The exhibition, called Pelotonia. The Best Of Cycling Photography, featured an auction of photographs, with the proceeds benefiting young athletes from disadvantaged families. One of the auctioned images by Markéta Navrátilová captured the unique victory by Ján Svorada of the last stage on the Champs-Élysées. The photograph was auctioned by the champion himself.
The exhibition will run until August 27th, 2023, on the occasion of the Czech Tour. We spoke about this stage race with Leopold König in a previous episode of Life in the Saddle podcast. The exhibition features 50 photographs by Markéta Navrátilová, Barbora Reichová, and Jan Brychta. If you want to see classic images capturing iconic moments not only from the Tour de France but also from the spring classics, make sure to visit the exhibition. You might want to listen to our interview along the way, as it will enhance your appreciation of the photographs.
What will you learn from the conversation?
About professionalism:
"A Tour de France photographer has to be absolutely professional. The race is so significant that there is no room for mistakes. Firstly, one must avoid making any personal errors, and secondly, one must not cross any boundaries. These are aspects you cannot overlook during the Tour."
About riding on a motorbike:
"Typically, the photographer is responsible for the photos, while the driver ensures our safety. [...] Personally, sitting on the motorbike wasn't difficult for me, but I hated it when it rained for two days straight. [...] It's like standing in the garden under a shower for six hours. It's not pleasant."
On the weight of decision-making:
"Perhaps the most challenging aspect of working in the Pro Tour is making the right decisions. You have to decide whether it's best to be at the back or the front of the peloton at any given moment. [...] For instance, you might find the best Dutch rider at the back of the peloton, losing the jersey, while just 300 meters ahead, there's a breakaway that could produce the winner of the Tour de France. And you have to make a decision."
On maneuvering:
"At times, the peloton is 50 meters long, and sometimes it stretches to 200 meters. [...] When you overtake the peloton and it closes in on you, you're stuck in that position for perhaps a kilometer. You can neither move forward nor backward. It's crucial to be extremely cautious to avoid getting hurt yourself or someone else."
On the importance of the race:
"The Tour de France is a race where every detail matters. [...] Every participant in the Tour de France is significant. So, we take photos for the archives and other important purposes. Every photograph holds importance."
On the speed of media:
"Back in the days of shooting on film, after each stage, I would hand over 15 films to someone waiting at the finish line. They would take them by plane to Amsterdam for development, and the next day, the photos were ready."
All photos in the article were taken by Markéta Navrátilová and are published with her permission.