{"id":2044468,"date":"2026-07-15T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2044468"},"modified":"2026-07-15T07:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T04:00:00","slug":"what-does-it-take-to-kit-out-a-worldtour-cycling-team-we-go-behind-the-scenes-on-ef-pro-cyclings-wind-tunnel-testing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2044468","title":{"rendered":"What does it take to kit out a WorldTour cycling team? We go behind-the-scenes on EF Pro Cycling&#8217;s wind tunnel testing"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1600-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nCycling Kit &amp; Accessories\n<\/li>\n<li>\nClothing &amp; Shoes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>What does it take to kit out a WorldTour cycling team? We go behind-the-scenes on EF Pro Cycling&#8217;s wind tunnel testing<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-center mx-auto max-sm:text-center max-sm:items-center\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPaul Norman <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta max-sm:justify-center\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-15T07:00:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Cutting-edge technical fabrics and extensive testing optimise clothing choice for elite riders, but individual riders test differently in the wind tunnel<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-center text-center\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1600-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Assos)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192b0a-7b79-11f1-957a-1d73be296ca7\">Aerodynamic advantage has become a key cycling battleground and not a week goes by without a new bike or wheelset being announced that\u2019s X watts faster. But alongside aero equipment development, there\u2019s a parallel arms race in aero optimisation of riders&#8217; clothing.<\/p>\n<p>Since the rider, not the bike, represents around 80% of the total frontal area, drag reduction in clothing design is arguably more significant. At the same time, it\u2019s harder to quantify and optimise. While the bike and wheels are rigid structures, riders move around on the bike, and each rider moves around and sits differently, so the fastest clothing for one rider could be the slowest for another; it&#8217;s highly personal.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192b0a-7b79-11f1-957a-1d73be296ca7-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Assos and EF Pro Cycling granted <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>exclusive access as they wind tunnel tested Assos\u2019s race clothing and explained how they\u2019re working to develop the most efficient clothing for EF\u2019s riders, the complexity involved and how different race kits suit different riders and situations.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em>Cyclingnews <\/em>followed as Assos, EF Pro Cycling and their partners tested a range of skinsuits and other clothing at the Flanders Bike Valley wind tunnel in Belgium, with star riders in the men&#8217;s and women\u2019s teams in late April 2026, ahead of the year\u2019s major stage races.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mb-6 kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-8370d2c0-802d-11f1-9d10-295e12b0a313\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"[&amp;_a]:text-[#2f6e91] [&amp;_a]:visited:text-[#09c] p-5 bg-[#F5F5F5] text-sm text-[#333]\">\n<div class=\"infoDisclaimer flex items-center\"><span class=\"ml-2 text-base font-bold\">Disclaimer<\/span><\/div>\n<p class=\"infoDisclaimer tracking-[.02em] pt-2 text-base font-normal\"><strong>Our paying subscribers helped to fund this in-depth tech content. To ensure we can continue providing world-class cycling journalism, support Cyclingnews by subscribing today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"more-than-a-dozen-speedsuits-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">More than a dozen speedsuits<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1192bf0-7b79-11f1-a609-d1ca3d28a88d\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1600-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Assos supplies EF Pro Cycling riders with multiple speedsuits adapted for different conditions and roles during a race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Assos)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192c4a-7b79-11f1-b223-319b4a80f852\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Between its men\u2019s, women\u2019s and development teams, EF Pro Cycling\u2019s roster exceeds 60 riders. That\u2019s a lot of pro cyclists to equip for the team\u2019s list of sponsors, which, as of the start of 2026, includes Swiss clothing brand Assos after its high-profile move away from Rapha.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It\u2019s not just the sheer volume of clothing needed for 60-plus riders that\u2019s impressive; it\u2019s the amount of detailed analysis required to develop cutting-edge kit for the pros. Between Assos, EF Pro Cycling and other staff and riders, around 20 people were involved in the multiple days of wind tunnel testing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Races are now invariably ridden in one-piece speedsuits to optimise the rider\u2019s aerodynamics, and these need to be fitted precisely to individual riders. Assos employs a team of seamstresses at its factory in Switzerland to tailor its speedsuits to the exact measurements of each rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There\u2019s not just one speedsuit for all conditions, either. Assos has over a dozen options for different conditions, and it issues multiple suits to each rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Luca Zanasca, Assos\u2019s Senior Manager of R&amp;D and Innovation, explains that different speedsuits are optimal, depending on the race conditions and the role or tactics of the rider wearing it.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1192cae-7b79-11f1-95de-6db0087533eb\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1600-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The same speedsuit may produce significantly different drag figures when worn by different riders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Assos)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192d08-7b79-11f1-afb8-4f6d900be219\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">EF Education-Oatly\u2019s C\u00e9drine Kerbaol told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>that Assos supplied multiple different skinsuits to the team&#8217;s riders. Which to choose for a race day was determined by her and EF Education-Oatly\u2019s performance team, depending on factors such as the weather, race speed and her role during the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alongside wind tunnel testing, Assos also tests its speedsuits in the climate chamber at Flanders Bike Valley, measuring riders\u2019 core and skin temperature. The climate chamber can be set to temperatures from 16 to 32\u00b0C and humidity levels between 75% and 80%, to confirm how effective a speedsuit will be for hot or cooler races.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-afab8c30-802e-11f1-a489-6ffe7f8d95c0\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">Have you read the latest tests from Cyclingnews Labs?<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure \">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-2560-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Gravel bikes wind tunnel tested: How does the new Specialized Crux stack up against the Argon 18 Anti Matter, Wilier Rave, Lauf Seigla, and more?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Stiffness testing: Colnago Y1Rs vs Cerv\u00e9lo S5, Specialized Tarmac vs Allez Sprint, steel vs carbon, budget vs expensive and much more<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>We thought wider gravel tyres were always faster, but it&#8217;s not as simple as that: New aero and rolling resistance lab tests combined<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-afab8c9e-802e-11f1-badd-3fb331d3e0fc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A climber such as Richard Carapaz might choose Assos\u2019s lightest speedsuit, which is also more suitable for very hot days. Assos\u2019s wind tunnel and track testing shows that it\u2019s not as aero as its fastest road speedsuit though.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There\u2019s another speedsuit that Assos recommends to EF Pro Cycling riders for fast races, breakaways and sprinters, while there\u2019s an even more aerodynamic speedsuit available for the Classics.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Assos\u2019s fastest time trial suit is saved for the cream of its riders who specialise in that discipline, including Kerbaol, who was French national champion in the discipline in 2023 and again in 2025 and GC hopefuls such as Noemi R\u00fcegg who won the Tour Down Under for a second time in succession at the start of 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It gets even more complex, as Zanasca explains that the textiles used for its skinsuits differ between men\u2019s and women\u2019s versions. The average speed in a women\u2019s race is lower than in a men\u2019s race, and female riders are in general of smaller stature.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">To take a concrete example, the Liege-Bastogne-Liege men\u2019s race, which was run the week before Assos\u2019s wind tunnel testing, was won by Tadej Poga\u010dar at an average of over 44km\/h, whereas Demi Vollering won the women\u2019s race at around 37km\/h.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Assos also adjusts the cut of women\u2019s speedsuits, moving the seam at the waistband upwards, so it doesn\u2019t sit over the rider\u2019s hips, where it might cause irritation. It has positioned its pockets lower down at the rear, overlapping with the shorts part of the speedsuit to reduce their impact on drag.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"different-results-for-different-riders-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Different results for different riders<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1192e0c-7b79-11f1-b435-ed4d685f118e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1600-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Testing is resource-intensive, with multiple days in the wind tunnel and more still in the Flanders Bike Valley climate chamber <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Assos)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192e66-7b79-11f1-b672-23fd57da173f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A speedsuit doesn\u2019t perform equally for all riders, which is why EF Pro Cycling and Assos had booked the Flanders Bike Valley wind tunnel for multiple days to test the different options with the team\u2019s elite men and women riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">First to be tested was Kerbaol, who the following week broke away in the finale to win stage 3 of the Vuelta Feminina. She was followed by R\u00fcegg, 2026 Women\u2019s World Champion Magdeleine Vallieres, and a selection of EF Education\u2013EasyPost\u2019s elite men\u2019s team riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Each was tested with a range of road and time trial speedsuits and accessories, including overshoes, during multiple wind tunnel runs at a variety of airspeeds, with the drag figures displayed on a large screen in the corner of the wind tunnel control room. Time trial suits were tested at higher wind speeds and a lower yaw angle (the angle of the wind as it hits the rider) than road speedsuits.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1192ed4-7b79-11f1-888b-a9cdb7fcca29\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1600-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kerbaol spent over four hours in the wind tunnel testing different Assos kit <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Assos)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192f88-7b79-11f1-b13d-377e51575e8a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">By the end of her testing at 1:30 pm, Kerbaol had been in the wind tunnel for multiple runs for over four hours. Elite time trialists can typically hold their position with just 1% to 1.5% variation in drag, but by this time Kerbaol\u2019s drag figure was varying by 4%, suggesting that she was becoming tired. Holding a time trial position can be difficult even for elite riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Comparing Kerbaol\u2019s wind tunnel results to other elite riders, Assos found that the same speedsuit could produce drag figures relative to baseline that were up to 8 watts different.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alongside its current speedsuit range, Assos also tested prototypes for new designs. Zanasca explains that Assos works with its technical fabric supplier and the team to select the optimum fabrics for its future skinsuit designs, which it was testing with EF Pro Cycling\u2019s riders for the first time.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Again, there was variation between riders, with different degrees of drag reduction relative to the baseline speedsuit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It\u2019s not just wind speed which affects drag; the rider\u2019s position on the bike and the interaction with the helmet can have a significant impact on the results, which is why testing individual riders is important to ensure they choose the best speedsuit for them.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the other hand, it&#8217;s very resource-intensive, which is why EF Pro Cycling only tested its top riders.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"multiple-options-for-poor-weather-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Multiple options for poor weather<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-a1193050-7b79-11f1-97cb-4b4b1274cc68\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It\u2019s not just warm weather performance that\u2019s important. Particularly in the early season, race conditions can be wet and cold.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Assos provides EF Pro Cycling riders with not one, but three different shell layers: its Equipe RS Schlosshund lightweight rain jacket, Mille GTS Sturmprinz rain jacket that\u2019s more robust and the Equipe R Thermo short-sleeved rain jersey. Between them, they give riders the option to layer up for the worst conditions or to choose thinner layers for rain protection when it\u2019s warmer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Shell jackets are significantly more draggy than a speedsuit though, so Assos is working on improving the aerodynamics of its poor weather gear.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Add to that training kit for warmer and colder conditions, including bib shorts, jerseys, tights and accessories, as well as branded off-bike clothing, and equipping the EF Pro Cycling squad is a substantial commitment.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Zanasca won\u2019t provide details, but equipping a complete pro team with a full range of cutting-edge clothing, along with the R&amp;D needed to develop and test new designs, clearly takes considerable resources.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews to unlock unlimited access to more in-depth tech features like this, plus our comprehensive race reporting, industry-leading Cyclingnews Labs tests, and much more.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Tech<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-mwnF4kjjW44u7tomYSroAT\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-mwnF4kjjW44u7tomYSroAT slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Paul Norman<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Paul has been on two wheels since he was in his teens and he&#8217;s spent much of the time since writing about bikes and the associated tech. He&#8217;s a road cyclist at heart but his adventurous curiosity means Paul has been riding gravel since well before it was cool, adapting his cyclo-cross bike to ride all-day off-road epics and putting road kit to the ultimate test along the way.\u00a0Paul has contributed to Cyclingnews&#8217; tech coverage for a few years, helping to maintain the freshness of our buying guides and deals content, as well as writing a number of our voucher code pages.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6w54kEWJdQscGfiY3JVTWZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6w54kEWJdQscGfiY3JVTWZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6w54kEWJdQscGfiY3JVTWZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6w54kEWJdQscGfiY3JVTWZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6w54kEWJdQscGfiY3JVTWZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France bikes: A complete equipment guide for the 2026 race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New helmets from KASK and POC, loads of aero tape hacks, and two new prototype bikes: It&#8217;s time for the 2026 Tour de France Grand D\u00e9part mega tech gallery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Black jerseys in a heatwave \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike defend Tour de France kit after tests on sweating mannequins<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cooling hacks, prototype bikes and new TT groupset parts: Tour de France TTT tech gallery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">More unreleased bikes than ever before in tech rehearsal for the Tour de France \u2013 Mega Dauphin\u00e9 tech gallery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The year of the team time trial \u2013 How teams have prepared for the Tour de France opening TTT from January to July<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Clothing &amp; Shoes<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vjzAmVdc4uKZzUWPVcQKoB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vjzAmVdc4uKZzUWPVcQKoB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vjzAmVdc4uKZzUWPVcQKoB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vjzAmVdc4uKZzUWPVcQKoB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vjzAmVdc4uKZzUWPVcQKoB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Clothing &amp; Shoes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Le Col Summer Sale has landed just in time for peak riding season \u2013 Grab up to 60% off premium cycling apparel and upgrade your summer kit for less<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZcjUyVMvJLbCRS9mjiX5G-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZcjUyVMvJLbCRS9mjiX5G-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZcjUyVMvJLbCRS9mjiX5G-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZcjUyVMvJLbCRS9mjiX5G-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZcjUyVMvJLbCRS9mjiX5G-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Always wear your gloves&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas has some cycling advice, but why has hand protection gone out of fashion?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNHKtL5caxHEDuqktExWHW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNHKtL5caxHEDuqktExWHW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNHKtL5caxHEDuqktExWHW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNHKtL5caxHEDuqktExWHW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNHKtL5caxHEDuqktExWHW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Clothing &amp; Shoes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Three prototypes and a win in odd shoes \u2013 Isaac del Toro has been experimenting with Sidi shoe setup for months<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZiQ9it95UqkfQ3S6oEQa4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZiQ9it95UqkfQ3S6oEQa4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZiQ9it95UqkfQ3S6oEQa4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZiQ9it95UqkfQ3S6oEQa4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZiQ9it95UqkfQ3S6oEQa4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Clothing &amp; Shoes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorenzo Milesi races Giro d&#8217;Italia stage 10 time trial in an ice vest after forgetting to remove it<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcNKqHHKT22iRGqBRA7nbN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcNKqHHKT22iRGqBRA7nbN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcNKqHHKT22iRGqBRA7nbN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcNKqHHKT22iRGqBRA7nbN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcNKqHHKT22iRGqBRA7nbN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Clothing &amp; Shoes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Fizik\u2019s new Lyra shoe is designed for &#8216;modern riding positions&#8217;, but what does that mean and is it even needed?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Clothing &amp; Shoes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">There\u2019s a new sheriff in waterproof cycling jacket town, and its name is the Pas Normal Mechanism Shell Jacket<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r9fHLJ4q3CUrcC2mEGwsbf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r9fHLJ4q3CUrcC2mEGwsbf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r9fHLJ4q3CUrcC2mEGwsbf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r9fHLJ4q3CUrcC2mEGwsbf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r9fHLJ4q3CUrcC2mEGwsbf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Peerless Poga\u010dar drains tension out of the Tour de France as Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s losing battle brings podium scramble into focus \u2013 GC analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Road Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Early access: Subscribe and watch our Seka Spear video review before anyone else<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XxGmUBPsoiMC89uDiewA46-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XxGmUBPsoiMC89uDiewA46-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XxGmUBPsoiMC89uDiewA46-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XxGmUBPsoiMC89uDiewA46-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XxGmUBPsoiMC89uDiewA46-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vive la France: Lapierre rolls out Bastille Day frameset at the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wbYcDhxbQvkdFcVyDeQhj-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wbYcDhxbQvkdFcVyDeQhj-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wbYcDhxbQvkdFcVyDeQhj-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wbYcDhxbQvkdFcVyDeQhj-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wbYcDhxbQvkdFcVyDeQhj-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">I can&#8217;t understand why UAE Team Emirates-XRG are riding so much, but Poga\u010dar is so good that he will correct any mistakes in the Alps &#8211; Sean Kelly&#8217;s Tour column<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGLnf6uKyzpK5mjrkUCdH4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGLnf6uKyzpK5mjrkUCdH4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGLnf6uKyzpK5mjrkUCdH4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGLnf6uKyzpK5mjrkUCdH4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGLnf6uKyzpK5mjrkUCdH4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">In this extreme heat there&#8217;s less room to hide, it&#8217;s like you&#8217;re at altitude and some riders adapt better than others &#8211; Matej Mohori\u010d&#8217;s Tour de France diary<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Don&#8217;t be surprised by Poga\u010dar&#8217;s early dominance, history shows it&#8217;s how every serial Tour de France winner succeeds &#8211; Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox 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data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Early access: Subscribe and watch our Seka Spear video review before anyone else<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tour de Pologne 2026 route<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">What does it take to kit out a pro cycling team?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Scary that a car can do that to you so easily&#8217; \u2013 Lukas Nerurkar hit by driver while training at home in England<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Peerless Poga\u010dar drains tension out of the Tour de France as Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s losing battle brings podium scramble into focus \u2013 GC analysis<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nCycling Kit &amp; Accessories\n<\/li>\n<li>\nClothing &amp; Shoes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>What does it take to kit out a WorldTour cycling team? We go behind-the-scenes on EF Pro Cycling&#8217;s wind tunnel testing<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-center mx-auto max-sm:text-center max-sm:items-center\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPaul Norman <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta max-sm:justify-center\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-15T07:00:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Cutting-edge technical fabrics and extensive testing optimise clothing choice for elite riders, but individual riders test differently in the wind tunnel<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-center text-center\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1600-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Assos)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192b0a-7b79-11f1-957a-1d73be296ca7\">Aerodynamic advantage has become a key cycling battleground and not a week goes by without a new bike or wheelset being announced that\u2019s X watts faster. But alongside aero equipment development, there\u2019s a parallel arms race in aero optimisation of riders&#8217; clothing.<\/p>\n<p>Since the rider, not the bike, represents around 80% of the total frontal area, drag reduction in clothing design is arguably more significant. At the same time, it\u2019s harder to quantify and optimise. While the bike and wheels are rigid structures, riders move around on the bike, and each rider moves around and sits differently, so the fastest clothing for one rider could be the slowest for another; it&#8217;s highly personal.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192b0a-7b79-11f1-957a-1d73be296ca7-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Assos and EF Pro Cycling granted <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>exclusive access as they wind tunnel tested Assos\u2019s race clothing and explained how they\u2019re working to develop the most efficient clothing for EF\u2019s riders, the complexity involved and how different race kits suit different riders and situations.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em>Cyclingnews <\/em>followed as Assos, EF Pro Cycling and their partners tested a range of skinsuits and other clothing at the Flanders Bike Valley wind tunnel in Belgium, with star riders in the men&#8217;s and women\u2019s teams in late April 2026, ahead of the year\u2019s major stage races.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mb-6 kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-8370d2c0-802d-11f1-9d10-295e12b0a313\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"[&amp;_a]:text-[#2f6e91] [&amp;_a]:visited:text-[#09c] p-5 bg-[#F5F5F5] text-sm text-[#333]\">\n<div class=\"infoDisclaimer flex items-center\"><span class=\"ml-2 text-base font-bold\">Disclaimer<\/span><\/div>\n<p class=\"infoDisclaimer tracking-[.02em] pt-2 text-base font-normal\"><strong>Our paying subscribers helped to fund this in-depth tech content. To ensure we can continue providing world-class cycling journalism, support Cyclingnews by subscribing today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"more-than-a-dozen-speedsuits-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">More than a dozen speedsuits<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1192bf0-7b79-11f1-a609-d1ca3d28a88d\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1600-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Assos supplies EF Pro Cycling riders with multiple speedsuits adapted for different conditions and roles during a race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Assos)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192c4a-7b79-11f1-b223-319b4a80f852\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Between its men\u2019s, women\u2019s and development teams, EF Pro Cycling\u2019s roster exceeds 60 riders. That\u2019s a lot of pro cyclists to equip for the team\u2019s list of sponsors, which, as of the start of 2026, includes Swiss clothing brand Assos after its high-profile move away from Rapha.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It\u2019s not just the sheer volume of clothing needed for 60-plus riders that\u2019s impressive; it\u2019s the amount of detailed analysis required to develop cutting-edge kit for the pros. Between Assos, EF Pro Cycling and other staff and riders, around 20 people were involved in the multiple days of wind tunnel testing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Races are now invariably ridden in one-piece speedsuits to optimise the rider\u2019s aerodynamics, and these need to be fitted precisely to individual riders. Assos employs a team of seamstresses at its factory in Switzerland to tailor its speedsuits to the exact measurements of each rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There\u2019s not just one speedsuit for all conditions, either. Assos has over a dozen options for different conditions, and it issues multiple suits to each rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Luca Zanasca, Assos\u2019s Senior Manager of R&amp;D and Innovation, explains that different speedsuits are optimal, depending on the race conditions and the role or tactics of the rider wearing it.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1192cae-7b79-11f1-95de-6db0087533eb\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1600-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The same speedsuit may produce significantly different drag figures when worn by different riders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Assos)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192d08-7b79-11f1-afb8-4f6d900be219\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">EF Education-Oatly\u2019s C\u00e9drine Kerbaol told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>that Assos supplied multiple different skinsuits to the team&#8217;s riders. Which to choose for a race day was determined by her and EF Education-Oatly\u2019s performance team, depending on factors such as the weather, race speed and her role during the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alongside wind tunnel testing, Assos also tests its speedsuits in the climate chamber at Flanders Bike Valley, measuring riders\u2019 core and skin temperature. The climate chamber can be set to temperatures from 16 to 32\u00b0C and humidity levels between 75% and 80%, to confirm how effective a speedsuit will be for hot or cooler races.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-afab8c30-802e-11f1-a489-6ffe7f8d95c0\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">Have you read the latest tests from Cyclingnews Labs?<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure \">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-2560-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Gravel bikes wind tunnel tested: How does the new Specialized Crux stack up against the Argon 18 Anti Matter, Wilier Rave, Lauf Seigla, and more?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Stiffness testing: Colnago Y1Rs vs Cerv\u00e9lo S5, Specialized Tarmac vs Allez Sprint, steel vs carbon, budget vs expensive and much more<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>We thought wider gravel tyres were always faster, but it&#8217;s not as simple as that: New aero and rolling resistance lab tests combined<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-afab8c9e-802e-11f1-badd-3fb331d3e0fc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A climber such as Richard Carapaz might choose Assos\u2019s lightest speedsuit, which is also more suitable for very hot days. Assos\u2019s wind tunnel and track testing shows that it\u2019s not as aero as its fastest road speedsuit though.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There\u2019s another speedsuit that Assos recommends to EF Pro Cycling riders for fast races, breakaways and sprinters, while there\u2019s an even more aerodynamic speedsuit available for the Classics.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Assos\u2019s fastest time trial suit is saved for the cream of its riders who specialise in that discipline, including Kerbaol, who was French national champion in the discipline in 2023 and again in 2025 and GC hopefuls such as Noemi R\u00fcegg who won the Tour Down Under for a second time in succession at the start of 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It gets even more complex, as Zanasca explains that the textiles used for its skinsuits differ between men\u2019s and women\u2019s versions. The average speed in a women\u2019s race is lower than in a men\u2019s race, and female riders are in general of smaller stature.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">To take a concrete example, the Liege-Bastogne-Liege men\u2019s race, which was run the week before Assos\u2019s wind tunnel testing, was won by Tadej Poga\u010dar at an average of over 44km\/h, whereas Demi Vollering won the women\u2019s race at around 37km\/h.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Assos also adjusts the cut of women\u2019s speedsuits, moving the seam at the waistband upwards, so it doesn\u2019t sit over the rider\u2019s hips, where it might cause irritation. It has positioned its pockets lower down at the rear, overlapping with the shorts part of the speedsuit to reduce their impact on drag.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"different-results-for-different-riders-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Different results for different riders<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1192e0c-7b79-11f1-b435-ed4d685f118e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1600-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Testing is resource-intensive, with multiple days in the wind tunnel and more still in the Flanders Bike Valley climate chamber <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Assos)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192e66-7b79-11f1-b672-23fd57da173f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A speedsuit doesn\u2019t perform equally for all riders, which is why EF Pro Cycling and Assos had booked the Flanders Bike Valley wind tunnel for multiple days to test the different options with the team\u2019s elite men and women riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">First to be tested was Kerbaol, who the following week broke away in the finale to win stage 3 of the Vuelta Feminina. She was followed by R\u00fcegg, 2026 Women\u2019s World Champion Magdeleine Vallieres, and a selection of EF Education\u2013EasyPost\u2019s elite men\u2019s team riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Each was tested with a range of road and time trial speedsuits and accessories, including overshoes, during multiple wind tunnel runs at a variety of airspeeds, with the drag figures displayed on a large screen in the corner of the wind tunnel control room. Time trial suits were tested at higher wind speeds and a lower yaw angle (the angle of the wind as it hits the rider) than road speedsuits.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1192ed4-7b79-11f1-888b-a9cdb7fcca29\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1600-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kerbaol spent over four hours in the wind tunnel testing different Assos kit <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Assos)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192f88-7b79-11f1-b13d-377e51575e8a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">By the end of her testing at 1:30 pm, Kerbaol had been in the wind tunnel for multiple runs for over four hours. Elite time trialists can typically hold their position with just 1% to 1.5% variation in drag, but by this time Kerbaol\u2019s drag figure was varying by 4%, suggesting that she was becoming tired. Holding a time trial position can be difficult even for elite riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Comparing Kerbaol\u2019s wind tunnel results to other elite riders, Assos found that the same speedsuit could produce drag figures relative to baseline that were up to 8 watts different.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alongside its current speedsuit range, Assos also tested prototypes for new designs. Zanasca explains that Assos works with its technical fabric supplier and the team to select the optimum fabrics for its future skinsuit designs, which it was testing with EF Pro Cycling\u2019s riders for the first time.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Again, there was variation between riders, with different degrees of drag reduction relative to the baseline speedsuit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It\u2019s not just wind speed which affects drag; the rider\u2019s position on the bike and the interaction with the helmet can have a significant impact on the results, which is why testing individual riders is important to ensure they choose the best speedsuit for them.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the other hand, it&#8217;s very resource-intensive, which is why EF Pro Cycling only tested its top riders.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"multiple-options-for-poor-weather-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Multiple options for poor weather<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-a1193050-7b79-11f1-97cb-4b4b1274cc68\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It\u2019s not just warm weather performance that\u2019s important. Particularly in the early season, race conditions can be wet and cold.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Assos provides EF Pro Cycling riders with not one, but three different shell layers: its Equipe RS Schlosshund lightweight rain jacket, Mille GTS Sturmprinz rain jacket that\u2019s more robust and the Equipe R Thermo short-sleeved rain jersey. Between them, they give riders the option to layer up for the worst conditions or to choose thinner layers for rain protection when it\u2019s warmer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Shell jackets are significantly more draggy than a speedsuit though, so Assos is working on improving the aerodynamics of its poor weather gear.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Add to that training kit for warmer and colder conditions, including bib shorts, jerseys, tights and accessories, as well as branded off-bike clothing, and equipping the EF Pro Cycling squad is a substantial commitment.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Zanasca won\u2019t provide details, but equipping a complete pro team with a full range of cutting-edge clothing, along with the R&amp;D needed to develop and test new designs, clearly takes considerable resources.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews to unlock unlimited access to more in-depth tech features like this, plus our comprehensive race reporting, industry-leading Cyclingnews Labs tests, and much more.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Tech<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-mwnF4kjjW44u7tomYSroAT\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-mwnF4kjjW44u7tomYSroAT slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Paul Norman<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Paul has been on two wheels since he was in his teens and he&#8217;s spent much of the time since writing about bikes and the associated tech. He&#8217;s a road cyclist at heart but his adventurous curiosity means Paul has been riding gravel since well before it was cool, adapting his cyclo-cross bike to ride all-day off-road epics and putting road kit to the ultimate test along the way.\u00a0Paul has contributed to Cyclingnews&#8217; tech coverage for a few years, helping to maintain the freshness of our buying guides and deals content, as well as writing a number of our voucher code pages.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6w54kEWJdQscGfiY3JVTWZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6w54kEWJdQscGfiY3JVTWZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6w54kEWJdQscGfiY3JVTWZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6w54kEWJdQscGfiY3JVTWZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6w54kEWJdQscGfiY3JVTWZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France bikes: A complete equipment guide for the 2026 race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New helmets from KASK and POC, loads of aero tape hacks, and two new prototype bikes: It&#8217;s time for the 2026 Tour de France Grand D\u00e9part mega tech gallery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Black jerseys in a heatwave \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike defend Tour de France kit after tests on sweating mannequins<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cooling hacks, prototype bikes and new TT groupset parts: Tour de France TTT tech gallery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x9BSfo36iZeA3YEfRdNPk5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">More unreleased bikes than ever before in tech rehearsal for the Tour de France \u2013 Mega Dauphin\u00e9 tech gallery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JGNFQoAf8aa3pDw5s4Z5Qk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The year of the team time trial \u2013 How teams have prepared for the Tour de France opening TTT from January to July<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Clothing &amp; Shoes<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vjzAmVdc4uKZzUWPVcQKoB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vjzAmVdc4uKZzUWPVcQKoB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vjzAmVdc4uKZzUWPVcQKoB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vjzAmVdc4uKZzUWPVcQKoB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vjzAmVdc4uKZzUWPVcQKoB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Clothing &amp; Shoes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Le Col Summer Sale has landed just in time for peak riding season \u2013 Grab up to 60% off premium cycling apparel and upgrade your summer kit for less<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZcjUyVMvJLbCRS9mjiX5G-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZcjUyVMvJLbCRS9mjiX5G-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZcjUyVMvJLbCRS9mjiX5G-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZcjUyVMvJLbCRS9mjiX5G-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZcjUyVMvJLbCRS9mjiX5G-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Always wear your gloves&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas has some cycling advice, but why has hand protection gone out of fashion?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNHKtL5caxHEDuqktExWHW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNHKtL5caxHEDuqktExWHW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNHKtL5caxHEDuqktExWHW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNHKtL5caxHEDuqktExWHW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nNHKtL5caxHEDuqktExWHW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Clothing &amp; Shoes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Three prototypes and a win in odd shoes \u2013 Isaac del Toro has been experimenting with Sidi shoe setup for months<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZiQ9it95UqkfQ3S6oEQa4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZiQ9it95UqkfQ3S6oEQa4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZiQ9it95UqkfQ3S6oEQa4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZiQ9it95UqkfQ3S6oEQa4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZiQ9it95UqkfQ3S6oEQa4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Clothing &amp; Shoes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lorenzo Milesi races Giro d&#8217;Italia stage 10 time trial in an ice vest after forgetting to remove it<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcNKqHHKT22iRGqBRA7nbN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcNKqHHKT22iRGqBRA7nbN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcNKqHHKT22iRGqBRA7nbN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcNKqHHKT22iRGqBRA7nbN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcNKqHHKT22iRGqBRA7nbN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Clothing &amp; Shoes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Fizik\u2019s new Lyra shoe is designed for &#8216;modern riding positions&#8217;, but what does that mean and is it even needed?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n6Yvxerr9jVCsZ8roa3tob-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Clothing &amp; Shoes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">There\u2019s a new sheriff in waterproof cycling jacket town, and its name is the Pas Normal Mechanism Shell Jacket<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r9fHLJ4q3CUrcC2mEGwsbf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r9fHLJ4q3CUrcC2mEGwsbf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r9fHLJ4q3CUrcC2mEGwsbf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r9fHLJ4q3CUrcC2mEGwsbf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r9fHLJ4q3CUrcC2mEGwsbf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Peerless Poga\u010dar drains tension out of the Tour de France as Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s losing battle brings podium scramble into focus \u2013 GC analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Road Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Early access: Subscribe and watch our Seka Spear video review before anyone else<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XxGmUBPsoiMC89uDiewA46-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XxGmUBPsoiMC89uDiewA46-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XxGmUBPsoiMC89uDiewA46-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XxGmUBPsoiMC89uDiewA46-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XxGmUBPsoiMC89uDiewA46-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vive la France: Lapierre rolls out Bastille Day frameset at the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wbYcDhxbQvkdFcVyDeQhj-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wbYcDhxbQvkdFcVyDeQhj-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wbYcDhxbQvkdFcVyDeQhj-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wbYcDhxbQvkdFcVyDeQhj-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5wbYcDhxbQvkdFcVyDeQhj-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">I can&#8217;t understand why UAE Team Emirates-XRG are riding so much, but Poga\u010dar is so good that he will correct any mistakes in the Alps &#8211; Sean Kelly&#8217;s Tour column<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGLnf6uKyzpK5mjrkUCdH4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGLnf6uKyzpK5mjrkUCdH4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGLnf6uKyzpK5mjrkUCdH4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGLnf6uKyzpK5mjrkUCdH4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGLnf6uKyzpK5mjrkUCdH4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">In this extreme heat there&#8217;s less room to hide, it&#8217;s like you&#8217;re at altitude and some riders adapt better than others &#8211; Matej Mohori\u010d&#8217;s Tour de France diary<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYPGxQTakxaJUTn9ufEBUE-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Don&#8217;t be surprised by Poga\u010dar&#8217;s early dominance, history shows it&#8217;s how every serial Tour de France winner succeeds &#8211; Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uLikcooH64kFHe8iwkwWXE.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Early access: Subscribe and watch our Seka Spear video review before anyone else<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tour de Pologne 2026 route<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">What does it take to kit out a pro cycling team?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Scary that a car can do that to you so easily&#8217; \u2013 Lukas Nerurkar hit by driver while training at home in England<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Peerless Poga\u010dar drains tension out of the Tour de France as Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s losing battle brings podium scramble into focus \u2013 GC analysis<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nCycling Kit &amp; Accessories\n<\/li>\n<li>\nClothing &amp; Shoes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>What does it take to kit out a WorldTour cycling team? We go behind-the-scenes on EF Pro Cycling&#8217;s wind tunnel testing<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-center mx-auto max-sm:text-center max-sm:items-center\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPaul Norman <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta max-sm:justify-center\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-15T07:00:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Cutting-edge technical fabrics and extensive testing optimise clothing choice for elite riders, but individual riders test differently in the wind tunnel<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-center text-center\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192b0a-7b79-11f1-957a-1d73be296ca7\">Aerodynamic advantage has become a key cycling battleground and not a week goes by without a new bike or wheelset being announced that\u2019s X watts faster. But alongside aero equipment development, there\u2019s a parallel arms race in aero optimisation of riders&#8217; clothing.<\/p>\n<p>Since the rider, not the bike, represents around 80% of the total frontal area, drag reduction in clothing design is arguably more significant. At the same time, it\u2019s harder to quantify and optimise. While the bike and wheels are rigid structures, riders move around on the bike, and each rider moves around and sits differently, so the fastest clothing for one rider could be the slowest for another; it&#8217;s highly personal.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192b0a-7b79-11f1-957a-1d73be296ca7-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Assos and EF Pro Cycling granted <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>exclusive access as they wind tunnel tested Assos\u2019s race clothing and explained how they\u2019re working to develop the most efficient clothing for EF\u2019s riders, the complexity involved and how different race kits suit different riders and situations.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em>Cyclingnews <\/em>followed as Assos, EF Pro Cycling and their partners tested a range of skinsuits and other clothing at the Flanders Bike Valley wind tunnel in Belgium, with star riders in the men&#8217;s and women\u2019s teams in late April 2026, ahead of the year\u2019s major stage races.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mb-6 kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-8370d2c0-802d-11f1-9d10-295e12b0a313\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"[&amp;_a]:text-[#2f6e91] [&amp;_a]:visited:text-[#09c] p-5 bg-[#F5F5F5] text-sm text-[#333]\">\n<div class=\"infoDisclaimer flex items-center\"><span class=\"ml-2 text-base font-bold\">Disclaimer<\/span><\/div>\n<p class=\"infoDisclaimer tracking-[.02em] pt-2 text-base font-normal\"><strong>Our paying subscribers helped to fund this in-depth tech content. To ensure we can continue providing world-class cycling journalism, support Cyclingnews by subscribing today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"more-than-a-dozen-speedsuits-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">More than a dozen speedsuits<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1192bf0-7b79-11f1-a609-d1ca3d28a88d\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1600-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SjWPiweC8DRzTeKWgsyUz-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Assos supplies EF Pro Cycling riders with multiple speedsuits adapted for different conditions and roles during a race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Assos)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192c4a-7b79-11f1-b223-319b4a80f852\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Between its men\u2019s, women\u2019s and development teams, EF Pro Cycling\u2019s roster exceeds 60 riders. That\u2019s a lot of pro cyclists to equip for the team\u2019s list of sponsors, which, as of the start of 2026, includes Swiss clothing brand Assos after its high-profile move away from Rapha.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It\u2019s not just the sheer volume of clothing needed for 60-plus riders that\u2019s impressive; it\u2019s the amount of detailed analysis required to develop cutting-edge kit for the pros. Between Assos, EF Pro Cycling and other staff and riders, around 20 people were involved in the multiple days of wind tunnel testing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Races are now invariably ridden in one-piece speedsuits to optimise the rider\u2019s aerodynamics, and these need to be fitted precisely to individual riders. Assos employs a team of seamstresses at its factory in Switzerland to tailor its speedsuits to the exact measurements of each rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There\u2019s not just one speedsuit for all conditions, either. Assos has over a dozen options for different conditions, and it issues multiple suits to each rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Luca Zanasca, Assos\u2019s Senior Manager of R&amp;D and Innovation, explains that different speedsuits are optimal, depending on the race conditions and the role or tactics of the rider wearing it.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1192cae-7b79-11f1-95de-6db0087533eb\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1600-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GXz5VvPmJFhWQy29hsCEx-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The same speedsuit may produce significantly different drag figures when worn by different riders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Assos)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192d08-7b79-11f1-afb8-4f6d900be219\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">EF Education-Oatly\u2019s C\u00e9drine Kerbaol told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>that Assos supplied multiple different skinsuits to the team&#8217;s riders. Which to choose for a race day was determined by her and EF Education-Oatly\u2019s performance team, depending on factors such as the weather, race speed and her role during the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alongside wind tunnel testing, Assos also tests its speedsuits in the climate chamber at Flanders Bike Valley, measuring riders\u2019 core and skin temperature. The climate chamber can be set to temperatures from 16 to 32\u00b0C and humidity levels between 75% and 80%, to confirm how effective a speedsuit will be for hot or cooler races.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-afab8c30-802e-11f1-a489-6ffe7f8d95c0\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">Have you read the latest tests from Cyclingnews Labs?<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure \">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-2560-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4MFzoANygwUUjnvNj3NCV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Gravel bikes wind tunnel tested: How does the new Specialized Crux stack up against the Argon 18 Anti Matter, Wilier Rave, Lauf Seigla, and more?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Stiffness testing: Colnago Y1Rs vs Cerv\u00e9lo S5, Specialized Tarmac vs Allez Sprint, steel vs carbon, budget vs expensive and much more<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>We thought wider gravel tyres were always faster, but it&#8217;s not as simple as that: New aero and rolling resistance lab tests combined<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-afab8c9e-802e-11f1-badd-3fb331d3e0fc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A climber such as Richard Carapaz might choose Assos\u2019s lightest speedsuit, which is also more suitable for very hot days. Assos\u2019s wind tunnel and track testing shows that it\u2019s not as aero as its fastest road speedsuit though.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There\u2019s another speedsuit that Assos recommends to EF Pro Cycling riders for fast races, breakaways and sprinters, while there\u2019s an even more aerodynamic speedsuit available for the Classics.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Assos\u2019s fastest time trial suit is saved for the cream of its riders who specialise in that discipline, including Kerbaol, who was French national champion in the discipline in 2023 and again in 2025 and GC hopefuls such as Noemi R\u00fcegg who won the Tour Down Under for a second time in succession at the start of 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It gets even more complex, as Zanasca explains that the textiles used for its skinsuits differ between men\u2019s and women\u2019s versions. The average speed in a women\u2019s race is lower than in a men\u2019s race, and female riders are in general of smaller stature.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">To take a concrete example, the Liege-Bastogne-Liege men\u2019s race, which was run the week before Assos\u2019s wind tunnel testing, was won by Tadej Poga\u010dar at an average of over 44km\/h, whereas Demi Vollering won the women\u2019s race at around 37km\/h.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Assos also adjusts the cut of women\u2019s speedsuits, moving the seam at the waistband upwards, so it doesn\u2019t sit over the rider\u2019s hips, where it might cause irritation. It has positioned its pockets lower down at the rear, overlapping with the shorts part of the speedsuit to reduce their impact on drag.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"different-results-for-different-riders-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Different results for different riders<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1192e0c-7b79-11f1-b435-ed4d685f118e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1600-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pexdLzaRRjysvLnrRsD7Z-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Testing is resource-intensive, with multiple days in the wind tunnel and more still in the Flanders Bike Valley climate chamber <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Assos)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192e66-7b79-11f1-b672-23fd57da173f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A speedsuit doesn\u2019t perform equally for all riders, which is why EF Pro Cycling and Assos had booked the Flanders Bike Valley wind tunnel for multiple days to test the different options with the team\u2019s elite men and women riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">First to be tested was Kerbaol, who the following week broke away in the finale to win stage 3 of the Vuelta Feminina. She was followed by R\u00fcegg, 2026 Women\u2019s World Champion Magdeleine Vallieres, and a selection of EF Education\u2013EasyPost\u2019s elite men\u2019s team riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Each was tested with a range of road and time trial speedsuits and accessories, including overshoes, during multiple wind tunnel runs at a variety of airspeeds, with the drag figures displayed on a large screen in the corner of the wind tunnel control room. Time trial suits were tested at higher wind speeds and a lower yaw angle (the angle of the wind as it hits the rider) than road speedsuits.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1192ed4-7b79-11f1-888b-a9cdb7fcca29\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1600-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5U6rBQBWhydSRQgLdapoU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kerbaol spent over four hours in the wind tunnel testing different Assos kit <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Assos)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a1192f88-7b79-11f1-b13d-377e51575e8a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">By the end of her testing at 1:30 pm, Kerbaol had been in the wind tunnel for multiple runs for over four hours. Elite time trialists can typically hold their position with just 1% to 1.5% variation in drag, but by this time Kerbaol\u2019s drag figure was varying by 4%, suggesting that she was becoming tired. Holding a time trial position can be difficult even for elite riders.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Comparing Kerbaol\u2019s wind tunnel results to other elite riders, Assos found that the same speedsuit could produce drag figures relative to baseline that were up to 8 watts different.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Alongside its current speedsuit range, Assos also tested prototypes for new designs. Zanasca explains that Assos works with its technical fabric supplier and the team to select the optimum fabrics for its future skinsuit designs, which it was testing with EF Pro Cycling\u2019s riders for the first time.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Again, there was variation between riders, with different degrees of drag reduction relative to the baseline speedsuit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It\u2019s not just wind speed which affects drag; the rider\u2019s position on the bike and the interaction with the helmet can have a significant impact on the results, which is why testing individual riders is important to ensure they choose the best speedsuit for them.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On the other hand, it&#8217;s very resource-intensive, which is why EF Pro Cycling only tested its top riders.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"multiple-options-for-poor-weather-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Multiple options for poor weather<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-a1193050-7b79-11f1-97cb-4b4b1274cc68\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It\u2019s not just warm weather performance that\u2019s important. Particularly in the early season, race conditions can be wet and cold.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Assos provides EF Pro Cycling riders with not one, but three different shell layers: its Equipe RS Schlosshund lightweight rain jacket, Mille GTS Sturmprinz rain jacket that\u2019s more robust and the Equipe R Thermo short-sleeved rain jersey. Between them, they give riders the option to layer up for the worst conditions or to choose thinner layers for rain protection when it\u2019s warmer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Shell jackets are significantly more draggy than a speedsuit though, so Assos is working on improving the aerodynamics of its poor weather gear.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Add to that training kit for warmer and colder conditions, including bib shorts, jerseys, tights and accessories, as well as branded off-bike clothing, and equipping the EF Pro Cycling squad is a substantial commitment.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Zanasca won\u2019t provide details, but equipping a complete pro team with a full range of cutting-edge clothing, along with the R&amp;D needed to develop and test new designs, clearly takes considerable resources.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews to unlock unlimited access to more in-depth tech features like this, plus our comprehensive race reporting, industry-leading Cyclingnews Labs tests, and much more.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/cycling-kit-accessories\/clothing-shoes\/what-does-it-take-to-kit-out-a-pro-cycling-team\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJaiMJEeVaHpDLaErA2yuE-1600-80.jpg&#8221;] Cycling Kit &amp; Accessories Clothing &amp; Shoes What does it take to kit out a WorldTour cycling team? We go behind-the-scenes on EF Pro Cycling&#8217;s wind tunnel testing Features By Paul Norman Published 15 July 2026 Cutting-edge technical fabrics and extensive testing optimise clothing choice for elite riders, but individual riders test [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2044468","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2044468","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2044468"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2044468\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2044468"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2044468"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2044468"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}