UCI jury confirm Tour de France Femmes riders' outfit checks at time trial over 'faking' cup size concerns
Cycling
The UCI jury at the 2026 Tour de France Femmes have warned riders that extra attention will be given to outfit checks at Tuesday's stage 4 time trial. After several teams expressed concerns about riders potentially 'faking' cup sizes to gain an aerodynamic advantage in the discipline, the commissaires have made a move.
Several Women's WorldTour teams 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.
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.
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.
UCI jury issue update on Monday evening
On Monday evening, The UCI jury warned all teams that riders' clothing will be checked to prevent the exploitation of larger cup sizes. A female UCI jury member will check the riders before the time trial.
“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, goggles, shoes or communication equipment during the race) that could alter the rider's physique,” the UCI Jury states.
Referred to as 'chest fairing', increasing the surface area of the chest can alter the airflow around the cyclist during the time trial, thereby creating a measurable benefit over multiple kilometers.
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Over a 21 kilometer time trial on stage 4, it can equate to a large advantage if exploited.
“This is clearly not okay,” Bert Blocken, professor of aerodynamics at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland and LUT in Finland, said in the Wielerflits report.
“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."
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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