UCI adds extra clothing checks before Tour de France Femmes

Race organizers have announced that riders in the Tour de France Femmes will face additional clothing inspections before Tuesday's stage four time trial, following concerns that some competitors may be using padded bras to gain an aerodynamic advantage. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) issued a communique on Monday, August 3, stating that particular attention would be paid to compliance with regulations prohibiting equipment that artificially alters a rider's body shape.

The issue was first reported on Sunday, August 2, by the Dutch outlet Wielerflits, which noted that several WorldTour teams had raised concerns. The report suggested some riders appeared to have a larger chest size during time trials compared to road races, potentially through the use of extra padding. According to a 2024 study cited in reports, increasing volume around the chest can redirect airflow and significantly reduce aerodynamic drag, saving crucial seconds in a time trial.

In response, the UCI's stage three jury report included a specific warning. It stated that riders must present themselves for final checks of their bikes and outfits no later than 10 minutes before their start time on Tuesday....