From: Andrew Hood
Country: Spain (VeloNews)
Conclusion: Despite the economic crisis in Spain, and the funding challenges the race is facing, it has not cut back on media facilities. That certainly cannot be said for other Spanish races. Organizers provide comfortable, ample work facilities, with several TVs and free wifi. Also, a nice buffet of beverages hot and cold, and “pintxos”
- Information on website: By far the best website among the Spanish races, with complete, accurate and user-friendly information
- Accreditation: Required to fill out a form and fax back, but otherwise easy
- Indication to Accreditation centre: Well-signed throughout all access points
- Working conditions at start: Very relaxed, easy to move around the team areas and sign-in podium
- Working conditions at finish: Also easy to move around, no hassles getting into the accredited areas
- Pressroom: Free wifi, ample space to work
- Distance Pressroom – Typically very close, except on the mountaintop finish in stage 3, where it would be impossible to set up facilities
- Distance Finish – busses of the Teams: Close and accessible, lots of fans because the Basque love their racing
- Internet: Free and good quality
- Information about race in Pressroom: Printed-out mid-race updates
- Results: Preliminary results were fast, as were complete results and standings
- Food or drinks at or near Pressroom: Excellent choice of beverages and “pintxos”
- Press conference: There were no post-stage press conferences; journalists grabbed their quotes at podium area
Amount of professional and non-professional journalist: There were very few non-pro journalists, seems like the organization kept a close eye on who they accredited