The Tiur de France Femmes avec Zwift has been plunged into a “fake boobs” row as cyclists pad their bras to gain an aerodynamic advantage
Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift stars have been plunged into a ‘fake boobs’ row as cyclists search for every possible aero gain at the biggest race on the planet.
According to WielerFlits, several women’s WorldTour teams have raised concerns over riders padding their bras during time-trials with the increased surface area changing the airflow around the rider – reducing drag.
The report claims there are “numerous examples” of cyclists who have a visibly larger cup size in time trials compared to during road races, with examples of the practice going as far back as the Paris Olympics.
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Bert Blocken, a professor of aerodynamics at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland and LUT in Finland, explained to the site: “We are talking about a ‘Chest Fairing’, which alters the airflow around the body, thereby reducing overpressure on the thighs.
“As a result, the rider experiences less air resistance. It is not that you gain a benefit of tens of seconds with this in a time trial, but in a ride of 20 to 30km, it can yield seconds that can be decisive.”
According to UCI rules, placing objects on the chest is prohibited and clothing must serve only the function of clothing and must not artificially alter the morphology (body shape) of the rider.
The same rule also stopped their male counterparts from placing team radios down the front of their skinsuits, while triathletes were similarly banned from tucking water bottles inside the front of their race suits.
Tour de France Femmes had its only time-trial on Tuesday, and to prevent riders from faking a larger cup size, a report suggested a female UCI jury member will check the riders before the time trial.
According to the same outlet the UCI jury, riders must be present at the final check-in for the time trial no later than ten minutes before their start time.
A statement read: “Particular attention will be paid to compliance with Article 1.3.032 of the UCI Regulations.
“Including non-essential elements and clothing or other items/accessories worn by a rider (including, but not limited to, helmets, goggles, shoes or communication equipment during the race) that could alter the rider’s physique.