Inside the Tour de France Time Trial: Tech, Tactics, and Traditions

The Scene at the Tour de France Time Trial

The Tour de France, cycling's most prestigious event, is in full swing. Today's stage is an individual time trial, a race against the clock where every second counts. The atmosphere is electric as riders warm up and teams make final preparations.

We're positioned just outside Dijon, surrounded by picturesque vineyards. Team trucks, vans, and buses line the area, creating a temporary village of high-performance cycling. This is where the magic happens before riders take to the course.

The Time Trial Format

Individual time trials are unique stages in grand tours. Here's how they work:

• Riders start at intervals, typically 1-2 minutes apart
• The stage runs from approximately 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• This particular course is about 20 kilometers long
• It features one significant climb, with the rest being rolling downhill
• The start order is based on overall standings - last place goes first, yellow jersey goes last

Each team bus displays a detailed schedule, outlining:

• Meal times for riders
• Warm-up start times
• When support vehicles need to depart
• Which specific car is assigned to each rider

This meticulous planning ensures everyone is synchronized for the day's events.

Cutting-Edge Cooling Technology

Managing body temperature is crucial for optimal performance. Teams employ various strategies to keep riders cool:

• Cooling vests are common, worn by many riders during warm-up
• Team Movistar uses Elite Arion fans to create airflow
• Some teams have portable air conditioning units in their massage areas

Interestingly, unlike previous years, riders aren't warming up inside air-conditioned vehicles. This may be due to milder weather conditions for this particular stage.

Trainers and Warm-Up Equipment

The warm-up area is a showcase of the latest training technology:

Tacx Trainers

Tacx, a sponsor of several teams, provides custom Neo 3M trainers. These feature special designs for jersey holders:

• Polka dot trainer for the King of the Mountains
• Yellow for the overall leader
• Green for the points classification leader
• White for the best young rider

Tacx representatives travel with these trainers, moving them between teams as jersey ownership changes throughout the tour.

Elite Trainers

Elite, another major player in the cycling trainer market, has a strong presence:

• The new Elite Justo 2 is being used by some teams
• We spotted the just-announced Elite Avanti, a $799 trainer aimed at competing with the Wahoo KICKR Core

Decathlon's Special Edition

Team TotalEnergies is using what appears to be a standard Elite Direto XR, but closer inspection reveals it's actually a special "Elite Direto XR Team" edition. This version includes:

• Race mode for higher speed data rates
• A new Di2 mode allowing gear shifters to control ERG mode
• A standalone mode

This special edition is set for release later this summer, exclusively through Decathlon.

Power Meters and Data Collection

Power measurement is critical in professional cycling. Here's the breakdown of power meter usage in the peloton:

• Shimano power meters are most common due to sponsorship agreements
• SRAM power meters (based on Quarq technology) are used by about a third of the teams
• Look pedal-based power meters are used by some teams, mainly on road bikes

It's worth noting that many teams privately express frustration with the accuracy of Shimano power meters, considering them the least accurate option available. However, sponsorship obligations often dictate equipment choices.

For this time trial stage, many riders are using the compact Garmin Edge 130 computer. Its small size makes it ideal for the aerodynamic demands of time trialing.

The Warm-Up Process

Let's walk through the warm-up routine of a top rider:

1. The rider begins on a stationary trainer near the team bus
2. They wear a cooling vest to regulate body temperature
3. About 30 minutes before start time, they switch to their race bike
4. Final adjustments are made, including applying chalk to hands for grip
5. High-cadence drills are performed in the final minutes
6. The bike is given a last check and the disc wheel is installed

UCI Bike Checks

Before riders can start, their bikes must pass a rigorous inspection by UCI officials:

• Laser measurements check frame dimensions
• Saddle position is verified
• All components are measured against UCI regulations
• Each bike is scanned and inventoried

This process ensures a level playing field and prevents any technical violations.

The Starting Area

The start line is a hive of activity:

• Team cars line up, each with a nameplate for their rider
• Mechanics make last-minute adjustments
• Riders can use stationary trainers or rollers for a final warm-up
• Official race vehicles and VIP cars prepare to follow riders on course

Technology on the Road

During the time trial, teams rely on various tech solutions:

• iPads running Veloviewer provide real-time course information
• This software highlights upcoming turns, climbs, and other notable features
• Teams can add their own notes to the course profile

Veloviewer has become a standard tool across professional cycling, used in both men's and women's races.

Post-Stage Operations

Once riders complete the course, the behind-the-scenes work continues:

• Team buses are equipped with washing machines for immediate kit cleaning
• Many teams opt to air-dry jerseys and shorts for best results
• A dedicated truck handles waste management for team buses

Conclusion

The Tour de France time trial stage is a fascinating blend of athletic performance and cutting-edge technology. From the latest in training equipment to meticulous planning and preparation, every detail is optimized for success.

This behind-the-scenes look reveals the incredible amount of work and innovation that goes into each rider's race against the clock. It's a testament to the evolution of professional cycling and the constant push for marginal gains that can make the difference between victory and defeat.

As the Tour continues, these same principles of preparation, technology, and attention to detail will play out across every stage, culminating in the crowning of the overall champion in Paris.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQcReLNXOfk