Tour de France Femmes: Padded bras spark aerodynamic controversy

A controversy has emerged in the Tour de France Femmes regarding the alleged use of padded bras by some cyclists to improve aerodynamics. Several teams have asked Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) commissaires to scrutinize the practice, which involves artificially increasing chest volume under the racing jersey.

This tactic, known as "chest fairing," is suspected of providing an illegal aerodynamic edge. Dutch media outlet WielerFlits reported that teams have observed this for years, noting a significant difference in chest volume between time trial stages and road stages. Aerodynamics specialist Bert Blocken's 2024 study indicated that properly modified chest shapes could reduce drag by up to 3.6%, translating to a gain of nearly 0.8 seconds per kilometer. In a 20-30 kilometer time trial, this could amount to a decisive time advantage.

Blocken's research suggests these modifications have been used in events like the 2023 Tour de France and World Championship time trials, and potentially in the Paris 2024 Olympics and the Giro d'Italia Donne. However, UCI regulations, specifically article 1.3.033, strictly forbid clothing that artificially alters a rider's morphology. The use of foams, plastics, or adhesives to enhance aerodynamics is prohibited, with violations leading to immediate disqualification.