The Tour de France is a spectacle of human endurance and technological innovation, where every gram counts and every second matters. The concept of 'marginal gains' has become synonymous with the sport, as teams strive to extract every ounce of performance from their bikes and riders. But what exactly are these marginal gains, and how do they impact the race? In this article, I'll delve into the world of Tour de France mechanics and explore some of the most comically minuscule upgrades that have become the norm in professional cycling.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Tour de France is the attention to detail that goes into every aspect of the race. From the choice of tires to the position of a bolt, every decision is made with a purpose. For instance, the simple act of taping over bolts and voids on the bike can reduce drag and improve aerodynamics. This might seem like a small change, but when multiplied across an entire team, it can make a significant difference. The Visma-Lease a Bike team takes this to the extreme, even taping over the adjustment bolts on the seatposts.
Another fascinating example of marginal gains is the use of aftermarket thru-axles. These lightweight aluminum versions, weighing just 31g for the rear of a Y1Rs, offer a significant weight saving over standard carbon thru-axles. This might not seem like much, but when multiplied across an entire team, it can add up to a substantial advantage. The UAE Team Emirates has taken this to the next level by fitting a special jockey wheel bolt that reduces weight and improves shifting.
The use of colored tape is another interesting innovation. Lidl-Trek applied strips of different colored tape down the sides of each rider's TT bike to reduce cognitive load and potentially improve aerodynamics. This simple yet effective hack demonstrates the creativity and resourcefulness of Tour de France mechanics. Similarly, the use of black electrical tape to tape over the lower portions of a Shimano derailleur cage creates a superlight aero hack, even if the weight saving is minimal.
The choice of computer is another example of marginal gains. Jonas Vingegaard's decision to use an older Garmin Edge 540 instead of the newer Edge 550 is a testament to the idea that sometimes less is more. The need for a larger computer might be surplus to requirement for a time trial, and the older model is likely sufficient for the task at hand.
In conclusion, the Tour de France is a showcase of human ingenuity and the pursuit of marginal gains. From the choice of tires to the position of a bolt, every decision is made with a purpose. These minuscule upgrades might seem insignificant on their own, but when multiplied across an entire team, they can make a substantial difference. As the race continues, we can expect to see more innovative solutions and creative hacks that push the boundaries of what's possible in professional cycling.
