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Three pieces of equipment in particular, which are designed to improve aerodynamics, caught our eye before the start of stage 9. Helmet, jersey and socks.
Aero helmets
Victor Campenaerts wore the most curious head protection on this day. Last year's stage winner rode the Aerohead model from Giro, which the US manufacturer actually developed for time trials and triathletes. The Belgian is the only professional at Visma | Lease a Bike to wear the extravagant headgear. Jonas Vingegaard, for example, used a "classic" aero helmet from the equipment manufacturer: the Eclipse Pro is a new model from Giro.
Another eye-catcher is the Kask Nirvana on the head of Ineos driver Carlos Rodriguez. Why? Because the shell covers the ears. The Pursuit from Giant, worn by Dylan Groenewegen and his Jayco team-mates, also catches the eye with its opulent design.
With temperatures of around 30 degrees on the ninth stage, many riders also opted for airier helmets. Practical for the Intermarché-Wanty team: the Uvex Surge Aero can be adapted to the conditions in a matter of seconds thanks to an interchangeable cover. Jonas Rutsch, for example, opted for the cover, which the manufacturer claims improves the airflow.
Jersey
The high-tech jerseys worn by the Tour pros have long since ceased to have anything to do with a jersey worn by amateur riders. Instead, the riders squeeze themselves into skin-tight one-piece suits in which the jersey is firmly sewn to the trousers. The teams want to minimise air resistance in this way.
A tight fit is the basic prerequisite for teasing out a few more watts aerodynamically. However, manufacturers are also experimenting with the material. The material and composition of the racing suit can have a measurable effect on speed.
The Uno-X Mobility team is riding a curious one-piece suit this year, as the racing suit from Danish manufacturer Fusion has the zip at the back. Whether Magnus Cort Nielsen & Co. will be able to wear the model on their own is at least doubtful.
Many riders still have jersey pockets on the back of their racing suits. But not all of them. Vincenzo Albanese does without the pockets on his Rapha one-piece suit, which stands out simply because of its pink colour scheme. As a result, the Italian either has to put the energy gels in his racing suit or have his team-mates help him.
Aero socks
The pros have dispensed with aero overshoes, but we have seen many aero socks. Depending on the speed and model, aero socks are said to save between 3 and 12 watts. This means that you can ride faster with the same performance.
The professional models have little to do with the socks worn by amateur athletes. All riders wear special aero socks. The shaft is optimised and should also contribute to lower air resistance. We also noticed Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike) wearing covers on his Nimbl shoes before the start today. The rubberised sleeves, which look like cut-off overshoes, conceal the fastening system. Aero is the trump card.
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Julian Schultz
Editor
