{"id":2079507,"date":"2026-08-05T11:29:06","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T08:29:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2079507"},"modified":"2026-08-05T11:29:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T08:29:06","slug":"how-does-padding-out-your-bra-make-you-faster-on-a-bike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2079507","title":{"rendered":"How does padding out your bra make you faster on a bike?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Extra clothing checks at Tour de France Femmes after reports riders may be padding bras for aero gains\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFXEHTypGqc3MYYtuBzdAV-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I was maxing out the gears&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt falls short trying for first Tour de France Femmes stage win\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sX46Z2nKZfgZE8fpjfck3a-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Why is Paula Blasi in white? &#8211; Tour de France Femmes quietly changes under-23 jersey to under-24\n                                <\/p>\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>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>How does padding out your bra make you faster on a bike?<\/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-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAndy Turner <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-05T11:29:06Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">So-called &#8216;bra maxxing&#8217; has caused a stir at the Tour de France Femmes, but why are riders doing it, and why does it make you faster?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" 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\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/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-86d680ee-90b4-11f1-8c1c-bdb18376278f\">The latest controversy in professional cycling is not doping, not hidden motors, or even extended sticky bottles. No, the controversy sweeping over the Tour de France Femmes is padded bras, which have led to extra clothing checks as riders sought an aerodynamic edge in the stage 4 time trial on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p>But why on earth has this become a controversy, is there any merit to the claims that padding out a bra can make cyclists faster on the bike, and how is it supposed to help?<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-86d680ee-90b4-11f1-8c1c-bdb18376278f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Interestingly, the science behind why padding your bra out can make you faster on the bike is based on very sound aerodynamic science.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When cycling, especially in time trials where speeds are higher and there&#8217;s nobody to shelter behind, the majority of the force you have to overcome is aerodynamic drag. The faster you go, the greater this majority becomes. You just have to look at the giant time trial helmets that have taken over the professional peloton to see that aero gains are the driving force behind a lot of developments, if sometimes maybe at the expense of aesthetics.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df42e948-90b9-11f1-9f26-73c91dc41358\" 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\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-df42e9de-90b9-11f1-8400-5b555ff97508\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Those large helmets give us some clue as to why padding out bras can create a performance gain. With aerodynamic drag being a key factor to overcome, one way of doing this is reducing turbulence around the body. This can be done via textured fabrics such as you see on skinsuit sleeves and backs, or by reducing the amount of \u2018space\u2019 around the body of the rider.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Extra clothing checks at Tour de France Femmes after reports riders may be padding bras for aero gains<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Why do cyclists shave their legs \u2013 Speed, hygiene, or just aesthetics?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">UCI bans ice socks in skinsuits at the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This is because that space, such as between the head and shoulders, arms and head, or behind the arms and into the gap between them, the body, and the hips, creates areas of low pressure.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Air flowing over the body then enters the low pressure area and creates turbulence, which creates more aerodynamic drag. Wide time trial helmets are used to close the gap between the head and the shoulders while also creating a smoother transition, while large visors are also now commonplace to reduce this gap between the rider&#8217;s arms and the helmet.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-jJJA3UMVRWYKHAJNfZcWzR\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-jJJA3UMVRWYKHAJNfZcWzR slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df42ead8-90b9-11f1-a819-efcc31f86009\" 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\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-df42eba0-90b9-11f1-9e2c-59f9f2592abf\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This brings us on to those padded bras. The gap between arms, legs, and body is a large area that creates a low pressure area which draws air in, rather than flowing smoothly around the body. This in turn generates more drag for the rider to overcome.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">By padding out bras, you could potentially smooth the flow of air from the arms, onto the body, and around the hips, and reduce the size of the low pressure area. It\u2019s a similar principle to that used by the men\u2019s WorldTour riders with radios down the front of skinsuits &#8211; or indeed Victor Campenaerts&#8217; under-arm radio placment &#8211; which before the UCI intervened, could be padded out significantly. Done for \u2018comfort\u2019 on paper, the reality was to create a fairing at the front of the suit to improve aerodynamics. In CTT-sanctioned events in the UK, this was taken to the extreme a few years ago with fairing fitted behind the arms, legs, and large water bladders down the front of skinsuits all to improve aerodynamic performance. Rule28 makes a specific aero gravel base layer with a bottle holder down the front, again to reduce that low pressure area and reduce drag &#8211; verified by the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> Labs wind tunnel team as offering a saving of 2.73 watts at 40km\/h. For context, stage 4 winner Marlen Reusser averaged 43.3km\/h, at a (very) estimated 400 watts.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df42ec68-90b9-11f1-82db-152b134b1800\" 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\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">In 2025, Cyclingnews tested a bottle down the front of a jersey, and found a 2.73w increase in performance (as well as a 100% decrease in comfort) <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-df42ed12-90b9-11f1-be98-81cb722f0c7e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Padded bras effectively work on the same principle, and have the potential to reduce the rider\u2019s coefficient of drag.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The Tour de France\u2019s eleven most marginal gains &#8211; The most comically minuscule upgrades on the world\u2019s fastest bikes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">How do riders stay cool at the Tour de France? Alcohol sprays and frozen carbs are just the tip of the iceberg<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Black jerseys in a heatwave \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike defend Tour de France kit after tests on sweating mannequins<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The idea is that it makes one a more slippery shape, rather than all these gaps, ridges, undulations and blunt edges that bounce the air all over the place and create more drag. It\u2019s why a car, with a much larger frontal profile, is able to have a lower coefficient of drag than a cyclist; fewer moving parts in the wind, and a sleeker profile with fewer gaps that can create turbulence.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So yes, padded sports bras can help riders get faster, especially in time trials, although the difference is small, and the exact amount of difference it makes likely differs from rider to rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of course, there are various ethical issues to consider when asking commissaires to check sports bras, too. Especially in a sport still predominantly represented by male figures when it comes to staff.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The announcement of additional clothing checks drew a mixed reaction from teams at the race. Naturally, all parties wanted to prevent cheating, but that was balanced against a need to avoid invasion of privacy when performing checks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Considering that time trial helmets have been allowed to evolve into huge aerodynamic fairings that certainly aren\u2019t designed that way for the protection of riders&#8217; heads, it seems a slightly trivial area to focus so much attention on. Similar to the banning of ice socks down the front of skinsuits in the heatwaves for the sake of limiting fairings, there are more important considerations at play.<\/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<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-jJJA3UMVRWYKHAJNfZcWzR\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-jJJA3UMVRWYKHAJNfZcWzR 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__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J78VMEW7QNP4CgBtmf9SWL-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J78VMEW7QNP4CgBtmf9SWL.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J78VMEW7QNP4CgBtmf9SWL.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J78VMEW7QNP4CgBtmf9SWL.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Andy Turner<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Freelance writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Freelance cycling journalist Andy Turner is a fully qualified sports scientist, cycling coach at ATP Performance, and aerodynamics consultant at Venturi Dynamics. He also spent 3 years racing as a UCI Continental professional and held a British Cycling Elite Race Licence for 7 years. He now enjoys writing fitness and tech related articles, and putting cycling products through their paces for reviews. Predominantly road focussed, he is slowly venturing into the world of gravel too, as many \u2018retired\u2019 UCI riders do.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to cycling equipment, he looks for functionality, a little bit of bling, and ideally aero gains. Style and tradition are secondary, performance is key.<\/p>\n<p>He has raced the Tour of Britain and Volta a Portugal, but nowadays spends his time on the other side of races in the convoy as a DS, coaching riders to race wins themselves, and limiting his riding to Strava hunting, big adventures, and caf\u00e9 rides.<\/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\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Extra clothing checks at Tour de France Femmes after reports riders may be padding bras for aero gains<\/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\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-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 Culture<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why do cyclists shave their legs \u2013 Speed, hygiene, or just aesthetics?<\/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\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-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\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI bans ice socks in skinsuits 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\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-320-80.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\">The Tour de France\u2019s eleven most marginal gains &#8211; The most comically minuscule upgrades on the world\u2019s fastest bikes<\/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\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-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\">How do riders stay cool at the Tour de France? Alcohol sprays and frozen carbs are just the tip of the iceberg<\/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>\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 Pro Cycling<\/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\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-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\">Volta a Portugal &#8211; UAE Team Emirates XRG 1-2 prologue time trial in team&#8217;s race debut<\/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\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">ASO announces fan restrictions on some sections of Tour de France Femmes queen stage to Mont Ventoux due to wildfire risk<\/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\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I fell asleep. But I&#8217;m still in yellow&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes leader Marlen Reusser narrowly misses second stage win on a massive day through the Jura<\/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\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Hopefully, we will celebrate big on Sunday&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney bullish despite missing out on Tour de France Femmes victory on stage 5<\/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\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I had to try&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering&#8217;s late roll of the dice pays off as the Tour de France Femmes hits the hills on stage 5<\/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\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I think it&#8217;s over&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot admits defeat in Tour de France Femmes title defence after struggles on stage 5<\/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 News<\/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\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">ASO announces fan restrictions on some sections of Tour de France Femmes queen stage to Mont Ventoux due to wildfire risk<\/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\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I fell asleep. But I&#8217;m still in yellow&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes leader Marlen Reusser narrowly misses second stage win on a massive day through the Jura<\/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\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Hopefully, we will celebrate big on Sunday&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney bullish despite missing out on Tour de France Femmes victory on stage 5<\/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\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I had to try&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering&#8217;s late roll of the dice pays off as the Tour de France Femmes hits the hills on stage 5<\/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\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I think it&#8217;s over&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot admits defeat in Tour de France Femmes title defence after struggles on stage 5<\/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\/Z6nKrXwhfEfA2MnbWuhX2g-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6nKrXwhfEfA2MnbWuhX2g-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6nKrXwhfEfA2MnbWuhX2g-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6nKrXwhfEfA2MnbWuhX2g-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6nKrXwhfEfA2MnbWuhX2g-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Shimano neutral service motorbike knocks Noemi R\u00fcegg off bike amid the chaos of Tour de France Femmes stage 5 &#8211; Video<\/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 class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/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>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/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\">\n<p>Volta a Portugal &#8211; UAE Team Emirates XRG 1-2 prologue time trial in team&#8217;s race debut<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>ASO announces fan restrictions on some sections of Tour de France Femmes queen stage to Mont Ventoux due to wildfire risk<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>&#8216;I fell asleep. But I&#8217;m still in yellow&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes leader Marlen Reusser narrowly misses second stage win on a massive day through the Jura<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>&#8216;Hopefully, we will celebrate big on Sunday&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney bullish despite missing out on Tour de France Femmes victory on stage 5<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>&#8216;I had to try&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering&#8217;s late roll of the dice pays off as the Tour de France Femmes hits the hills on stage 5<\/p>\n<\/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>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>How does padding out your bra make you faster on a bike?<\/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-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAndy Turner <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-05T11:29:06Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">So-called &#8216;bra maxxing&#8217; has caused a stir at the Tour de France Femmes, but why are riders doing it, and why does it make you faster?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" 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\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/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-86d680ee-90b4-11f1-8c1c-bdb18376278f\">The latest controversy in professional cycling is not doping, not hidden motors, or even extended sticky bottles. No, the controversy sweeping over the Tour de France Femmes is padded bras, which have led to extra clothing checks as riders sought an aerodynamic edge in the stage 4 time trial on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p>But why on earth has this become a controversy, is there any merit to the claims that padding out a bra can make cyclists faster on the bike, and how is it supposed to help?<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-86d680ee-90b4-11f1-8c1c-bdb18376278f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Interestingly, the science behind why padding your bra out can make you faster on the bike is based on very sound aerodynamic science.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When cycling, especially in time trials where speeds are higher and there&#8217;s nobody to shelter behind, the majority of the force you have to overcome is aerodynamic drag. The faster you go, the greater this majority becomes. You just have to look at the giant time trial helmets that have taken over the professional peloton to see that aero gains are the driving force behind a lot of developments, if sometimes maybe at the expense of aesthetics.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df42e948-90b9-11f1-9f26-73c91dc41358\" 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\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-df42e9de-90b9-11f1-8400-5b555ff97508\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Those large helmets give us some clue as to why padding out bras can create a performance gain. With aerodynamic drag being a key factor to overcome, one way of doing this is reducing turbulence around the body. This can be done via textured fabrics such as you see on skinsuit sleeves and backs, or by reducing the amount of \u2018space\u2019 around the body of the rider.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Extra clothing checks at Tour de France Femmes after reports riders may be padding bras for aero gains<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Why do cyclists shave their legs \u2013 Speed, hygiene, or just aesthetics?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">UCI bans ice socks in skinsuits at the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This is because that space, such as between the head and shoulders, arms and head, or behind the arms and into the gap between them, the body, and the hips, creates areas of low pressure.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Air flowing over the body then enters the low pressure area and creates turbulence, which creates more aerodynamic drag. Wide time trial helmets are used to close the gap between the head and the shoulders while also creating a smoother transition, while large visors are also now commonplace to reduce this gap between the rider&#8217;s arms and the helmet.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-jJJA3UMVRWYKHAJNfZcWzR\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-jJJA3UMVRWYKHAJNfZcWzR slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df42ead8-90b9-11f1-a819-efcc31f86009\" 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\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-df42eba0-90b9-11f1-9e2c-59f9f2592abf\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This brings us on to those padded bras. The gap between arms, legs, and body is a large area that creates a low pressure area which draws air in, rather than flowing smoothly around the body. This in turn generates more drag for the rider to overcome.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">By padding out bras, you could potentially smooth the flow of air from the arms, onto the body, and around the hips, and reduce the size of the low pressure area. It\u2019s a similar principle to that used by the men\u2019s WorldTour riders with radios down the front of skinsuits &#8211; or indeed Victor Campenaerts&#8217; under-arm radio placment &#8211; which before the UCI intervened, could be padded out significantly. Done for \u2018comfort\u2019 on paper, the reality was to create a fairing at the front of the suit to improve aerodynamics. In CTT-sanctioned events in the UK, this was taken to the extreme a few years ago with fairing fitted behind the arms, legs, and large water bladders down the front of skinsuits all to improve aerodynamic performance. Rule28 makes a specific aero gravel base layer with a bottle holder down the front, again to reduce that low pressure area and reduce drag &#8211; verified by the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> Labs wind tunnel team as offering a saving of 2.73 watts at 40km\/h. For context, stage 4 winner Marlen Reusser averaged 43.3km\/h, at a (very) estimated 400 watts.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df42ec68-90b9-11f1-82db-152b134b1800\" 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\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">In 2025, Cyclingnews tested a bottle down the front of a jersey, and found a 2.73w increase in performance (as well as a 100% decrease in comfort) <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-df42ed12-90b9-11f1-be98-81cb722f0c7e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Padded bras effectively work on the same principle, and have the potential to reduce the rider\u2019s coefficient of drag.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The Tour de France\u2019s eleven most marginal gains &#8211; The most comically minuscule upgrades on the world\u2019s fastest bikes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">How do riders stay cool at the Tour de France? Alcohol sprays and frozen carbs are just the tip of the iceberg<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Black jerseys in a heatwave \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike defend Tour de France kit after tests on sweating mannequins<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The idea is that it makes one a more slippery shape, rather than all these gaps, ridges, undulations and blunt edges that bounce the air all over the place and create more drag. It\u2019s why a car, with a much larger frontal profile, is able to have a lower coefficient of drag than a cyclist; fewer moving parts in the wind, and a sleeker profile with fewer gaps that can create turbulence.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So yes, padded sports bras can help riders get faster, especially in time trials, although the difference is small, and the exact amount of difference it makes likely differs from rider to rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of course, there are various ethical issues to consider when asking commissaires to check sports bras, too. Especially in a sport still predominantly represented by male figures when it comes to staff.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The announcement of additional clothing checks drew a mixed reaction from teams at the race. Naturally, all parties wanted to prevent cheating, but that was balanced against a need to avoid invasion of privacy when performing checks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Considering that time trial helmets have been allowed to evolve into huge aerodynamic fairings that certainly aren\u2019t designed that way for the protection of riders&#8217; heads, it seems a slightly trivial area to focus so much attention on. Similar to the banning of ice socks down the front of skinsuits in the heatwaves for the sake of limiting fairings, there are more important considerations at play.<\/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<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-jJJA3UMVRWYKHAJNfZcWzR\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-jJJA3UMVRWYKHAJNfZcWzR 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__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J78VMEW7QNP4CgBtmf9SWL-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J78VMEW7QNP4CgBtmf9SWL.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J78VMEW7QNP4CgBtmf9SWL.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J78VMEW7QNP4CgBtmf9SWL.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Andy Turner<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Freelance writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Freelance cycling journalist Andy Turner is a fully qualified sports scientist, cycling coach at ATP Performance, and aerodynamics consultant at Venturi Dynamics. He also spent 3 years racing as a UCI Continental professional and held a British Cycling Elite Race Licence for 7 years. He now enjoys writing fitness and tech related articles, and putting cycling products through their paces for reviews. Predominantly road focussed, he is slowly venturing into the world of gravel too, as many \u2018retired\u2019 UCI riders do.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to cycling equipment, he looks for functionality, a little bit of bling, and ideally aero gains. Style and tradition are secondary, performance is key.<\/p>\n<p>He has raced the Tour of Britain and Volta a Portugal, but nowadays spends his time on the other side of races in the convoy as a DS, coaching riders to race wins themselves, and limiting his riding to Strava hunting, big adventures, and caf\u00e9 rides.<\/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\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Extra clothing checks at Tour de France Femmes after reports riders may be padding bras for aero gains<\/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\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-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 Culture<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why do cyclists shave their legs \u2013 Speed, hygiene, or just aesthetics?<\/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\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-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\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI bans ice socks in skinsuits 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\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-320-80.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\">The Tour de France\u2019s eleven most marginal gains &#8211; The most comically minuscule upgrades on the world\u2019s fastest bikes<\/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\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-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\">How do riders stay cool at the Tour de France? Alcohol sprays and frozen carbs are just the tip of the iceberg<\/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>\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 Pro Cycling<\/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\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-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\">Volta a Portugal &#8211; UAE Team Emirates XRG 1-2 prologue time trial in team&#8217;s race debut<\/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\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">ASO announces fan restrictions on some sections of Tour de France Femmes queen stage to Mont Ventoux due to wildfire risk<\/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\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I fell asleep. But I&#8217;m still in yellow&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes leader Marlen Reusser narrowly misses second stage win on a massive day through the Jura<\/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\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Hopefully, we will celebrate big on Sunday&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney bullish despite missing out on Tour de France Femmes victory on stage 5<\/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\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I had to try&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering&#8217;s late roll of the dice pays off as the Tour de France Femmes hits the hills on stage 5<\/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\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I think it&#8217;s over&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot admits defeat in Tour de France Femmes title defence after struggles on stage 5<\/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 News<\/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\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2mc8CawcMHKxrVWwZmGB7c-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">ASO announces fan restrictions on some sections of Tour de France Femmes queen stage to Mont Ventoux due to wildfire risk<\/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\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F2eYw3AisnxnLFjEoEUhYH-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I fell asleep. But I&#8217;m still in yellow&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes leader Marlen Reusser narrowly misses second stage win on a massive day through the Jura<\/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\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kE2eCGwVm3YwQLq6c6bT53-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Hopefully, we will celebrate big on Sunday&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney bullish despite missing out on Tour de France Femmes victory on stage 5<\/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\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWKeeozTYcmKE7LoTJiKUN-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I had to try&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering&#8217;s late roll of the dice pays off as the Tour de France Femmes hits the hills on stage 5<\/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\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QhtPVRMUpos35oAtbhH8dM-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I think it&#8217;s over&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot admits defeat in Tour de France Femmes title defence after struggles on stage 5<\/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\/Z6nKrXwhfEfA2MnbWuhX2g-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6nKrXwhfEfA2MnbWuhX2g-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6nKrXwhfEfA2MnbWuhX2g-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6nKrXwhfEfA2MnbWuhX2g-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Z6nKrXwhfEfA2MnbWuhX2g-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Shimano neutral service motorbike knocks Noemi R\u00fcegg off bike amid the chaos of Tour de France Femmes stage 5 &#8211; Video<\/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 class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/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>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwLmo85h6HE2MkvsEx7zbf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/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\">\n<p>Volta a Portugal &#8211; 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But I&#8217;m still in yellow&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes leader Marlen Reusser narrowly misses second stage win on a massive day through the Jura<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>&#8216;Hopefully, we will celebrate big on Sunday&#8217; &#8211; Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney bullish despite missing out on Tour de France Femmes victory on stage 5<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>&#8216;I had to try&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering&#8217;s late roll of the dice pays off as the Tour de France Femmes hits the hills on stage 5<\/p>\n<\/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>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>How does padding out your bra make you faster on a bike?<\/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-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAndy Turner <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-05T11:29:06Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">So-called &#8216;bra maxxing&#8217; has caused a stir at the Tour de France Femmes, but why are riders doing it, and why does it make you faster?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" 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-86d680ee-90b4-11f1-8c1c-bdb18376278f\">The latest controversy in professional cycling is not doping, not hidden motors, or even extended sticky bottles. No, the controversy sweeping over the Tour de France Femmes is padded bras, which have led to extra clothing checks as riders sought an aerodynamic edge in the stage 4 time trial on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p>But why on earth has this become a controversy, is there any merit to the claims that padding out a bra can make cyclists faster on the bike, and how is it supposed to help?<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-86d680ee-90b4-11f1-8c1c-bdb18376278f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Interestingly, the science behind why padding your bra out can make you faster on the bike is based on very sound aerodynamic science.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When cycling, especially in time trials where speeds are higher and there&#8217;s nobody to shelter behind, the majority of the force you have to overcome is aerodynamic drag. The faster you go, the greater this majority becomes. You just have to look at the giant time trial helmets that have taken over the professional peloton to see that aero gains are the driving force behind a lot of developments, if sometimes maybe at the expense of aesthetics.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df42e948-90b9-11f1-9f26-73c91dc41358\" 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\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H7KftzjKPnbQsihi38StSH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-df42e9de-90b9-11f1-8400-5b555ff97508\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Those large helmets give us some clue as to why padding out bras can create a performance gain. With aerodynamic drag being a key factor to overcome, one way of doing this is reducing turbulence around the body. This can be done via textured fabrics such as you see on skinsuit sleeves and backs, or by reducing the amount of \u2018space\u2019 around the body of the rider.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i72LCch3QMnQjasKFaGwNd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Extra clothing checks at Tour de France Femmes after reports riders may be padding bras for aero gains<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Hx3UNA8WLF9SNYkkoAxaC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Why do cyclists shave their legs \u2013 Speed, hygiene, or just aesthetics?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">UCI bans ice socks in skinsuits at the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This is because that space, such as between the head and shoulders, arms and head, or behind the arms and into the gap between them, the body, and the hips, creates areas of low pressure.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Air flowing over the body then enters the low pressure area and creates turbulence, which creates more aerodynamic drag. Wide time trial helmets are used to close the gap between the head and the shoulders while also creating a smoother transition, while large visors are also now commonplace to reduce this gap between the rider&#8217;s arms and the helmet.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-jJJA3UMVRWYKHAJNfZcWzR\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-jJJA3UMVRWYKHAJNfZcWzR slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df42ead8-90b9-11f1-a819-efcc31f86009\" 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\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/weSEqtS7pBiCAA2WDGcmQM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-df42eba0-90b9-11f1-9e2c-59f9f2592abf\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This brings us on to those padded bras. The gap between arms, legs, and body is a large area that creates a low pressure area which draws air in, rather than flowing smoothly around the body. This in turn generates more drag for the rider to overcome.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">By padding out bras, you could potentially smooth the flow of air from the arms, onto the body, and around the hips, and reduce the size of the low pressure area. It\u2019s a similar principle to that used by the men\u2019s WorldTour riders with radios down the front of skinsuits &#8211; or indeed Victor Campenaerts&#8217; under-arm radio placment &#8211; which before the UCI intervened, could be padded out significantly. Done for \u2018comfort\u2019 on paper, the reality was to create a fairing at the front of the suit to improve aerodynamics. In CTT-sanctioned events in the UK, this was taken to the extreme a few years ago with fairing fitted behind the arms, legs, and large water bladders down the front of skinsuits all to improve aerodynamic performance. Rule28 makes a specific aero gravel base layer with a bottle holder down the front, again to reduce that low pressure area and reduce drag &#8211; verified by the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> Labs wind tunnel team as offering a saving of 2.73 watts at 40km\/h. For context, stage 4 winner Marlen Reusser averaged 43.3km\/h, at a (very) estimated 400 watts.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df42ec68-90b9-11f1-82db-152b134b1800\" 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\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cZuKuqBngRGokTavSUhwAi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">In 2025, Cyclingnews tested a bottle down the front of a jersey, and found a 2.73w increase in performance (as well as a 100% decrease in comfort) <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-df42ed12-90b9-11f1-be98-81cb722f0c7e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Padded bras effectively work on the same principle, and have the potential to reduce the rider\u2019s coefficient of drag.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zrspdJb3qM3YYbD8eWwxm7-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The Tour de France\u2019s eleven most marginal gains &#8211; The most comically minuscule upgrades on the world\u2019s fastest bikes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">How do riders stay cool at the Tour de France? Alcohol sprays and frozen carbs are just the tip of the iceberg<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Black jerseys in a heatwave \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike defend Tour de France kit after tests on sweating mannequins<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The idea is that it makes one a more slippery shape, rather than all these gaps, ridges, undulations and blunt edges that bounce the air all over the place and create more drag. It\u2019s why a car, with a much larger frontal profile, is able to have a lower coefficient of drag than a cyclist; fewer moving parts in the wind, and a sleeker profile with fewer gaps that can create turbulence.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So yes, padded sports bras can help riders get faster, especially in time trials, although the difference is small, and the exact amount of difference it makes likely differs from rider to rider.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of course, there are various ethical issues to consider when asking commissaires to check sports bras, too. Especially in a sport still predominantly represented by male figures when it comes to staff.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The announcement of additional clothing checks drew a mixed reaction from teams at the race. Naturally, all parties wanted to prevent cheating, but that was balanced against a need to avoid invasion of privacy when performing checks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Considering that time trial helmets have been allowed to evolve into huge aerodynamic fairings that certainly aren\u2019t designed that way for the protection of riders&#8217; heads, it seems a slightly trivial area to focus so much attention on. Similar to the banning of ice socks down the front of skinsuits in the heatwaves for the sake of limiting fairings, there are more important considerations at play.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/how-does-padding-out-your-bra-make-you-faster-on-a-bike\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fJGQARAP4R9BvANtG7mZSH-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Extra clothing checks at Tour de France Femmes after reports riders may be padding bras for aero gains 2 &#8216;I was maxing out the gears&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt falls short trying for first Tour de France Femmes stage win 3 Why is Paula Blasi in white? &#8211; Tour de France Femmes [&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-2079507","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\/2079507","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=2079507"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2079507\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2079507"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2079507"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2079507"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}