{"id":51873,"date":"2023-07-26T18:30:47","date_gmt":"2023-07-26T16:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=740530"},"modified":"2023-07-26T18:35:47","modified_gmt":"2023-07-26T16:35:47","slug":"tour-de-france-femmes-tech-off-sponsor-choices-old-ultegra-amazing-custom-paint-and-much-more","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/tour-de-france-femmes-tech-off-sponsor-choices-old-ultegra-amazing-custom-paint-and-much-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Tour de France Femmes tech | off-sponsor choices, old Ultegra, amazing custom paint and much more"},"content":{"rendered":"

11 tech highlights from the start of the biggest race on the Women’s WorldTour calendar <\/p>

By Jack Luke\n \t\t<\/p>

2023-07-26 16:30:47<\/p>

\n\n

The 2023 Tour de France Femmes is now in full swing, with riders tackling 956km over the course of eight stages.<\/p>\n

The race comprises 22 teams \u2013 all 15 Women\u2019s WorldTour teams<\/a> and seven invited teams from the second-tier UCI Women\u2019s Continental roster.<\/p>\n

There is some tech hegemony among those teams, with Canyon and Liv especially well-represented, sponsoring three squads apiece. Only Specialized managed that feat in the men\u2019s Tour de France<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, the Tour de France Femmes includes several large brands without representation in the men\u2019s field \u2013 Orbea (Ceratizit-WNT Pro Cycling Team) and Felt (Human Powered Health) are the two key examples.<\/p>\n

Dig about more and you\u2019ll find plenty else to keep even BikeRadar\u2019s dedicated tech sleuths entertained.<\/p>\n

From incredible custom paintjobs to off-sponsor tech choices, including a totally different bike brand in one case, the Tour de France Femmes is a rich seam of interesting tech.<\/p>\n

We were on the ground for the first two stages in and around Clermont-Ferrand to bring you the most interesting tech from the 2023 Tour de France Femmes. Here are our 11 highlights.<\/p>\n

April Tracey\u2019s Ultegra R8070-equipped Ribble Endurance SL R Disc<\/h2>\n
\""The\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
April Tracey is riding this Ultegra-equipped Ribble Endurance SL R Disc.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Lifeplus\u2013Wahoo rider April Tracey is riding the 2023 Tour de France Femmes onboard this Ribble Endurance SL R Disc equipped with a previous-generation Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8070 groupset<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s unusual to see pro bikes equipped with second-tier components, let alone a road bike groupset<\/a> released back in 2017.<\/p>\n

\""The\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Ultegra R8070 is still a great groupset, but we didn\u2019t expect to see it at the Tour de France Femmes.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Of course, there\u2019s nothing wrong with Ultegra R8070 \u2013 other than a switch to 12-speed, an aesthetic update and some other small changes, the differences between the latest Ultegra Di2 R8170 groupset<\/a> and the older, 11-speed kit are minimal.<\/p>\n

Regardless, it\u2019s still novel to see an older groupset being raced at such a high level.<\/p>\n

\""The\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The old groupset is paired with very expensive wheels and power meter pedals.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Slightly unravelling that impression of affordability is the pair of \u20ac4,449 Mavic Cosmic Ultimate 45<\/a> wheels fitted to the bike.<\/p>\n

These ultra-light mid-depth wheels use carbon spokes to hit a claimed weight of 1,255g, and are seen here with custom contrasting white Mavic decals.<\/p>\n

No corners have been cut for Tracey\u2019s tyres either, with the Lifeplus\u2013Wahoo rider running Continental\u2019s highly rated GP5000 S TR<\/a> tubeless tyres.<\/p>\n

Tracey\u2019s bike also marks a rare appearance for Wahoo\u2019s Speedplay Powrlink Zero power meter pedals<\/a> at the top of the sport.<\/p>\n

Marie-Morgane Le Deunff\u2019s compact Bianchi Oltre RC<\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\""Marie-Morgane\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Bianchi Oltre RC is nearly a year old, but it still turns heads today.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

With a heavily aero-optimised design and compact frame, the Bianchi Oltre RC<\/a> is one of the peloton\u2019s most striking road bikes.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s especially true on smaller-sized versions, as evidenced here by Marie-Morgane Le Deunff\u2019s bike.<\/p>\n

In a similar style to the Cerv\u00e9lo S5<\/a> (as ridden extensively by men\u2019s yellow jersey<\/a> winner, Jonas Vingegaard), the Oltre RC uses a high-rise one-piece cockpit to increase the effective stack height of the front end of the bike, while keeping the frame compact.<\/p>\n

\""Marie-Morgane\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
A positive-rise stem is a rare site in pro racing.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

This design reduces weight, increases stiffness and improves aerodynamic performance, according to Bianchi.<\/p>\n

As expected, the Oltre RC is seen here without its eye-catching \u2018air deflector wings<\/a>\u2019, in order to comply with UCI regulations (specifically, article 1.2.034).<\/p>\n

\""Marie-Morgane\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
No air deflectors here.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Riders can also choose to ride the more traditional Bianchi Specialissima<\/a> \u2013 a classic double-triangle road bike designed with climbing (and passione) in mind.<\/p>\n

Le Deunff opts for Shimano\u2019s Dura-Ace C36 wheelset, shod with Continental Competition Pro Ltd tubular tyres \u2013 a tyre that used to be very popular among WorldTour pros, but has largely fallen out of favour in recent years (more on that later).<\/p>\n

Ceratizit\u2013WNT Pro Cycling ride the new Orbea Orca<\/h2>\n
\""The\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The new Orbea Orca makes its racing debut at the Tour de France Femmes.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Ceratizit\u2013WNT Pro Cycling are riding the new Orbea Orca<\/a> for their inaugural appearance at the Tour de France Femmes.<\/p>\n

Going against wider trends in bike design, the new Orca bike prioritises light weight and ride quality over aerodynamic optimisation, with a size 53cm top-spec OMX frame said to weigh just 750g.<\/p>\n

\""The\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The team pairs Shimano Dura-Ace components with FSA cranksets.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The team bikes run Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9270 Di2 groupsets<\/a> paired with FSA Powerbox power meter cranksets<\/a>. They roll on wheels from Orbea house brand Oquo, fitted with Vittoria\u2019s new Corsa Pro tyres<\/a> set up tubeless.<\/p>\n

A custom bike for the European champion<\/h2>\n
\""Lorena\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Lorena Wiebes is the reigning European champion.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Current European road champion and SD Worx rider Lorena Wiebes is riding a custom-painted Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While the rest of the team are on fetching eggplant purple bikes, Wiebes is riding a subtle satin black bike with a tasty European champs motif on the fork.<\/p>\n

\""Lorena\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The timing chip slightly spoils the custom European champion motif, but it still looks cool.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The rest of her bike is similar to her teammates, with Roval\u2019s new one-piece Rapide cockpit, Roval Rapide CLX wheels<\/a>, Specialized S-Works Turbo Cotton clincher tyres<\/a>, a full SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset<\/a>\u00a0and team-issue Time pedals<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Off-sponsor saddle choices<\/h2>\n
\""ISM\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Israel Premier Tech Roland\u2019s Tamara Dronova-Balabolina uses an ISM PN 3.0 saddle.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Israel Premier Tech Roland rider Tamara Dronova-Balabolina deviates from a team-issue Selle Italia saddle in favour of an ISM PN 3.0.<\/p>\n

This noseless saddle features a deep cut-out and is used more commonly on time trial bikes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\""ISM\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
DSM\u2019s Pfeiffer Georgi also opts for one of ISM\u2019s noseless saddles.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Team DSM\u2019s Pfeiffer Georgi has made a similar move, opting for ISM PS 2.0 instead of a team-issue Syncros saddle.<\/p>\n

While off-sponsor tech choices will likely raise eyebrows at team HQ, a serious saddle sore<\/a> could easily spell the end of a rider\u2019s Tour de France campaign, so rider fit is likely to be prioritised.<\/p>\n

A rider-specific bike sponsor?<\/h2>\n
\""Team\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Team Coop\u2013Hitec Products\u2019 Jenny Rissveds has a separate contract for a bike sponsor. She is riding a De Rosa when the rest of the team are on Liv bikes.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media\u00a7<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Taking off-sponsor product choices to the extreme, Team Coop-Hitec rider Jenny Rissveds has her own bike sponsor. She\u2019ll ride this De Rosa Merak while her teammates use a variety of bikes from Liv.<\/p>\n

This is a very unusual arrangement in professional cycling \u2013 we can\u2019t recall another occasion where one rider in a major team has had their own bike sponsor (please let us know in the comments if you can think of one).<\/p>\n

Rissveds is better known as an XC racer, where she rides Ibis\u2019 mountain bikes in her role as team leader of the Swedish outfit, Team 31\u2013Ibis Continental.<\/p>\n

Rissveds\u2019 Hunt wheels do at least appear to be sponsor-correct, although these are wrapped with Continental GP5000 tyres despite Schwalbe being listed on the team\u2019s website as a \u2018partner\u2019.<\/p>\n

Hot-weather hacks<\/h2>\n
\""Team\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Ice vests were used by DSM to cool down their warm-up.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Europe is sweltering in the midst of a serious heatwave.<\/p>\n

Soaring temperatures have seen teams turn to classic tricks to keep cool when cycling in the heat<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\""SD\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Stuffing one of these down your back might sound awful while sat at your desk, but it makes riding under the baking sun bearable.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Team DSM\u2013Firmenich were pictured warming up in ice vests beneath the slither of shade offered by the team bus awning.<\/p>\n

SD Worx soigneurs were also spotted filling tights with ice. These will be ferried from coolers in the team car to riders by domestiques<\/a> throughout the course of the race.<\/p>\n

Stringent bike checks for 2023 and beyond<\/h2>\n
\""UCI\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The UCI introduced new rules regulating equipment choices prior to the start of the men\u2019s Tour de France.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

New rules introduced in April<\/a> mean teams racing at the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes may only use \u201ccritical equipment\u201d (eg, wheels, framesets and groupsets) pre-approved by the UCI.<\/p>\n

The new rules are designed to prevent teams from unfairly using prototype equipment. The UCI says this will promote \u201cfair and equitable access to equipment in cycling events\u2026 ensuring a level playing field for all competitors\u201d.<\/p>\n

Approved equipment is marked with tamper-proof RFID stickers, with UCI commissaries checking bikes prior to each stage.<\/p>\n

Teams faced fines between CHF 5,000 and 100,000, or even outright disqualification, for non-compliance.<\/p>\n

Between this and enforcing stringent sock-height rules, the long arm of UCI \u2018law\u2019 reaches far into the world of cycling. Do you think these changes are a good thing or will they stifle innovation? Let us know in the comments.<\/p>\n

Mystery Schwalbe Pro One tyres appear again<\/h2>\n
\""Schwalbe\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Schwalbe has been teasing its new Pro One tyres.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Schwalbe continues to tease these mystery Pro One tyres with blue sidewalls and matching logos.<\/p>\n

As discussed in our Tour de France tyre tech analysis<\/a>, the tyres have a non-standard blue bead and logo, which don\u2019t appear on the standard Pro One TLE<\/a> available at your local bike shop.<\/p>\n

This matches the branding seen on the prototype Schwalbe Pro One Aerothan<\/a> spotted at Eurobike.<\/p>\n

\""The\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The tyres are being used by a number of teams.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Like Schwalbe\u2019s Aerothan inner tubes<\/a>, the Pro One Aerothan is speculated to be based on a thermoplastic polyurethane casing. It comes with claims of drastically reduced weight and rolling resistance versus a standard tyre.<\/p>\n

As ever, we will continue to pester Schwalbe for further details until it gives up the gossip.<\/p>\n

Women\u2019s-specific bikes live on with Liv<\/h2>\n
\""Liv\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Liv is the last major road bike brand to produce women\u2019s-specific bikes.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Liv is the last major road bike brand that still produces women\u2019s-specific road bikes<\/a> with geometry and sizing<\/a> that differs from the men\u2019s equivalent.<\/p>\n

The brand is well represented at the Tour de France Femmes with Liv Racing TeqFind, Team Coop-Hitec Products and Team Jayco AlUla riding either the Langma Advanced SL Disc or EnviLiv Advanced Pro. The Avow Advanced Pro will be wheeled out for the stage 8 time trial.<\/p>\n

\""25c\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Pate opted for 25c tyres in the opening stages of the Tour de France Femmes.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Pictured is Amber Pate\u2019s (Team Jayco AlUla) EnviLiv. This aero road bike<\/a> is built around a full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9270 groupset and carbon-spoked Cadex 50 Ultra wheels with custom high-contrast decals. Pate is using Vittoria\u2019s previous-generation Corsa TLR G2.0 tyres<\/a>, in a size 25c.<\/p>\n

Tubeless tech reigns supreme (almost)<\/h2>\n
\""Michelin\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The tubular tyre\u2019s days are numbered in the pro peloton.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The tubeless tech takeover is nearly complete \u2013 so much so that it will soon stop being a talking point in BikeRadar tech round-ups.<\/p>\n

However, for now, a handful of teams have stuck with tubular tyres for the 2023 Tour de France Femmes.<\/p>\n

Like the men\u2019s team, Cofidis Women Team are running Michelin Power Cup<\/a> tyres on their Corima wheels.<\/p>\n

\""Continental\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Ark\u00e9a-Samsic were also running tubular tyres.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Ark\u00e9a Pro Cycling Team has stuck with Continental Competition Pro LTD tyres mounted to Shimano Dura-Ace wheels.<\/p>\n

These were once among the most commonly specced tyres in the pro peloton, but are now almost never seen. How times change, and how quickly.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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