“This is clearly not okay" - Several women's teams ask jury to enforce UCI rule on riders 'faking' cup sizes at Tour de France Femmes time trial
Cycling
The Tour de France Femmes is well underway and stage 4's individual time trial set to mark an early benchmark in the general classification. however, some teams have issued a plea to the race jury to enforce a UCI rule for an unexpected reason: riders 'faking' their breast size in the time trial.
Several Women's WorldTour teams have reportedly reached out to officials to enforce UCI regulation on placing items to exaggerate their cup size during the race against the clock. By doing so, riders can gain better aerodynamic advantage that could equate to as high as 0.78 seconds per kilometer.
Wielerflits reports that several teams have called for the rule's enforcement at the Grand Tour, with artificially manipulating clothing sizes or shapes prohibited. The report also states that the practice has been seen in multiple time trials in recent months and years.
According to UCI regulations, placing objects on the chest is prohibited. Article 1.3.033 stipulates that clothing must serve only the function of clothing and must not artificially alter the body shape of the rider.
“This is clearly not okay,” Bert Blocken, professor of aerodynamics at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland and LUT in Finland, said.
The finish of stage 2 of the Tour de France Femmes
Several teams reportedly request UCI jury enforce rules
Referred to as 'chest fairing', increasing the surface area of the chest can change the airflow around the cyclist during the time trial and thus create a measurable benefit over the course of multiple kilometers.
“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 30 kilometers, it can yield seconds that can be decisive."
Blocken completed extensive research into chest fairings for time trialists and triathletes, which was published on ScienceDirect on two years ago. It concluded that you can achieve a reduction in air resistance of up to 3.6% when using an object in the most optimal shape that covers the chest. This translates into a time saving of at least 0.78 seconds per kilometer.
“I spoke about it with Michael Rogers of the International Cycling Union (UCI) at the time. Back then, it was mainly about the 'abuse' of radio communication, which was placed on the front of the chest to reduce air resistance. I pointed out our research to him. So the UCI is aware that this is an issue.”
Read also
UCI guidelines
As per UCI guidelines, attaching items to or under the chest to create a more streamlined shape is not permitted. Texture differences to enhance aerodynamics are only permitted if they are woven or stitched directly into the fabric (with a maximum surface height difference of 1 mm).
If a rider is caught violating the rule during or after a race, immediate disqualification from the competition will follow.
Depending on the level of the competition, a fine will also be imposed, usually ranging from CHF 200 to CHF 1,000.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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