“We’re gathering all the information" - INEOS investigating cause of unusual timing of punctures at Tour de France
CyclingMonday, 20 July 2026 at 17:30
Netcompany INEOS have found themselves the unwelcome subject of a Tour de France talking point - punctures. The British team have confirmed they have suffered around 11 punctures, but it's the timing and manner of the problems have caused alarm.
French TV analyst Thomas Voeckler noted that the team were using Continental time trial tyres on Saturday. With ten teams using the tyres, and suffering less punctures, the timing and manner of the punctures have seen several INEOS riders impacted while part of the breakaway.
Voeckler's anecdote comes after Thymen Arensman suffered a puncture as he was bridging across to the day's main breakaway. Puncturing just before reaching the break alongside Einer Rubio, the puncture ultimately ended the Dutch rider's day before the general classification fireworks ensued.
According to reports, INEOS ride tubeless during the Tour. However, that could seemingly not be a factor due to the fact that Decathlon CMA CGM also use the same setup.
Geraint Thomas on INEOS punctures at the Tour de France
“We’re studying all of this,” Thomas said before the start of the 15th stage.
“We’re gathering all the information, when and where the punctures occur, to identify if there’s a pattern and see if we can do anything to prevent them.”
Acknowledging that the timing of the issues could be a coincidence, INEOS boss Thomas stressed the need to get to the root of their Tour de France woes. Once the problem is found, he knows the riders will trust the findings.
“There’s obviously a risk/benefit analysis to be done. If the numbers show that a certain tire allows you to go faster, but then you get a flat once you’re in the breakaway, it’s not ideal. So we need to understand what’s happening right now.”
“And the guys (the riders) almost always trust the recommendation, whatever it may be.”
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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