Riders are notoriously slow in getting ready.

The soigneur will be harassing them constantly to have suitcases packed and be ready on time.

It is part of the soigneur's job to load all the gear in the lorry and head off to the next hotel.

Here, the fight between the different teams' staff for the best parking spot will be equally as fierce as the one fought on the mountain passes by the riders.

Generally there will be a long queue at the hotel check-in desk - the later the soigneur arrives, the longer the wait.

So it makes life easier for them if they leave for the finish as early as possible.

At the same time they have to be reasonable and not annoy the riders.