Clothing checks at Tour de France Femmes after reports of bra padding used as aerodynamic fairings

Riders at the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift had their clothing checked on 5 August 2026 after race organiser ASO said it would inspect equipment amid reports that some competitors were using padding in bras as aerodynamic fairings.

ASO issued the move following Dutch media reports that padding inserted into bras could yield about one second per kilometre in advantage. The reports also said other objects had been placed inside skinsuits around the chest to smooth airflow.

Dutch outlet Wielerflits reported the practice has been seen before in women’s cycling, including at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and ASO warned riders could face disqualification from a race and a fine of nearly £200 if found in breach.

Aerodynamic efficiency is a key concern in cycling because the correct shape of a bike frame and a skinsuit can save riders several seconds; that is particularly important in a time trial, where a rider competes alone against the clock. Research by universities in Scotland and the Netherlands used a 177cm male mannequin in a wind tunnel and found fairings can give rise to "significant drag aero reductions", with wider objects producing the largest gains.

The UCI regulation cited in reporting bans clothing that is "not strictly necessary for the functionality of the clothing, or other item, or accessory". Lidl-Trek's head of technical and innovation, Koen de Kort, told The Athletic: "The problem is how are you going to police it?" "That's the biggest issue. You can say it's not allowed [but] how can you say how much a woman needs? "That's time to get pretty much into a grey area of what you're allowed to check."

The wider sporting landscape has seen comparable controversies over aerodynamic measures: in ski jumping last February, male athletes were accused of using penis injections to aid aerodynamic efficiency.

ASO detailed how the checks will be carried out, saying: "Riders must be to the final checks before the race (bikes and outfit) no later than 10 minutes before their respective start time," the statement said. "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, glasses, shoes or in-race communication devices) which could modify riders' morphology."