Do they sweep the Tour de France course before each stage?

Question

I know there is a symbolic broom car after the riders pass, but do the Tour de France officials have huge sweeper street cleaner trucks that clean the routes the night before each stage?

Answer 1

All routes are checked prior to the race for any obvious hazards. Pot holes and cracks are repaired.

They go as far as replacing some cobblestones, as they did in Belgium, the last time the Tour went thru there.

Answer 2

The broom car is to pick up riders who've abandoned the race.

Answer 3

Not to my knowledge. I'm sure that they will take out any obvious hazards, but there are too many people lining the roads. They couldn't possibly sweep the entire course. Not to mention that some of the roads look like a New England back-road going up a mountain. Shiver.