Tour de France Femmes 2026 ** SPOILERS **

[mjr]

only because I saw an article on it, I cant believe HPH havent been promoting it more tbh. Got to love a bit of Spongebob

But why? We thought we'd misheard when commentary mentioned it as they didn't explain!

 

[katiewlx]

I have an irrational dislike of Wiebus and never like seeing her win. No idea why as I know nothing about her, probably as she’s just too dominant in sprints whereas most of the women are more all rounders.

theres an element she is dominant in sprints, just because all the other teams are just so dumb all the time with their tactics, womens cycling is still learning I think how to race sometimes. but theres no doubt she is the number 1 sprinter in the sport, its just she wouldnt win as often if the other teams actually focussed on how to beat her more often, or let her team do more work.

but shes no worse than a Remco, or even a Cav really, totally focussed on themselves, which is fine upto the point it then impacts your teams other riders chances to produce results.

 

[katiewlx]

But why? We thought we'd misheard when commentary mentioned it as they didn't explain!

literally to promote a conversation about it as I understand it, Factor wanted a talking point to promote their bikes and participation in the race with HPH, and I forgot Ma Petite Entreprise have the Patrick Starfish bikes as well

 

[mididoctors]

Have you seen the Factor bikes a couple of teams are riding with SpongeBob SquarePants graphics?

Miller and Ned were talking about them

 

[TomDW]

Can't work out what's in store for stage 3 ? Breakaway, split peloton or all back together in Poligny?

 

[misforturob]

Whatever happens to establish the pattern of the stage, no-one will see it. TV coverage scheduled to start somewhere between the Cat 2 and the intermediate sprint

 

[Blazing Saddles]

Whatever happens to establish the pattern of the stage, no-one will see it. TV coverage scheduled to start somewhere between the Cat 2 and the intermediate sprint

Yup.
We will get about 75kms of a whole lot of nothing.
Strangely, they have chosen to cover the whole of the Beaujolais stage on Wednesday.
Someone in the ASO must be partial to a drop of Gamay.

 

[Dogtrousers]

They were showing closeups of the bike on telly. I was thrilled.

 

[No Ta Doctor]

Can't work out what's in store for stage 3 ? Breakaway, split peloton or all back together in Poligny?

View attachment 817244

Given the way riders have been going out the back on the smallest of lumps it's difficult to see this staying together (or coming back together). The Cat 1 could be ridden very selectively

 

[mjr]

literally to promote a conversation about it as I understand it, Factor wanted a talking point to promote their bikes and participation in the race with HPH, and I forgot Ma Petite Entreprise have the Patrick Starfish bikes as well

Why would Factor want us to be talking about how they're stupid tossers who do random bizarre things to their womens team bikes? This week a random paint job, next week bikes in stores with the stem & handlebars facing backwards?

Edit to add: there is a little explanation in For The Love Of Cycling: In a League of Her Own | Tour de France Femmes Stage 2 Podcast, but it seems really tenuous and patronising. Apparently, it sounds pretty much simply that Factor felt their race bikes are scary and aggressive and women's cycle racing is for families so they decorated the bikes with the first cartoon characters to pop into their heads so as not to scare the women and children!?!?! 🤔 I guess we should be thankful they didn't just paint the bikes pink (!)

Episode webpage: https://mailchi.mp/chpt3/chpt3-x-the-road-book

Media file: https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/COMG9554870023.mp3

 

[BrumJim]

Why would Factor want us to be talking about ...... their .... bikes? This week a random paint job, next week bikes in stores with .....

FTFY

 

[matticus]

NOT A SPOILER:

https://www.marca.com/ciclismo/tour...tadores-kas-corredoras-rellenos-ilegales.html

"
<translated:>
Tour de France
Controversy at the Tour: several teams call for checks on riders' sports bras over illegal padding
Several WorldTour teams suspect that some riders are altering their bust shape to gain time and are demanding specific checks by the UCI."

 

[mjr]

NOT A SPOILER:

https://www.marca.com/ciclismo/tour...tadores-kas-corredoras-rellenos-ilegales.html
View attachment 817267

"
<translated:>
Tour de France
Controversy at the Tour: several teams call for checks on riders' sports bras over illegal padding
Several WorldTour teams suspect that some riders are altering their bust shape to gain time and are demanding specific checks by the UCI."

First the commissaires came for the socks...

Will they be regulating surgery? Do they already? Or could bra checks see some women resort to surgery to achieve the same? Where would that path lead? Could we also see Ganna rocking up with a new shape to beat Remco at the World Championships?

 

[Dogtrousers]

On the subject of aero clothing, during the tour of Denmark coverage (Michael Hutch and Jose Been I think) I'm sure one of the commentators mentioned aero shoulder pads.

I only had it on in the background so I wasn't listening properly. I'm not sure if it was real or they were joking.

It struck me as being the kind of thing that a) could be real and deliver aero gains and b) would cause the UCI to wet themselves.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Maeva Squiban off the back almost immediately. There was talk of her being ill & struggling yesterday, although she finished with the pack. Wouldn't be surprised if she fails to finish today.