This year we saw the opening of the Tour De France start in the UK, with 2.5 million spectators having lined the route around Yorkshire over the two days to catch a glimpse of the cyclists. Some areas of the crowds were so dense the cyclists struggled to get pass.
The Tour De France, which started on Saturday 5th July and will finish on Sunday 27th July, is the 101th race and is made up of 21 stages. The cyclists will compete over 2,277 miles to win the famous yellow jersey.
Over the years we have seen how racing bikes have developed, with certain parts of the bike drastically changing and other parts staying largely the same. The first Tour bikes had two gears, sturdy steel frames, wooden wheels and the bikes could weigh between 30 to 40 pounds. In the past 30 years, technology has led to frames being made from aluminium and titanium and the wheels now weigh around 15 pounds.
The most important characteristics of racing bikes are weight and stiffness which effect the riders pedal strokes and therefore its streamlined wheels. Also, the drop handlebars and low saddles put the rider into a more aerodynamic posture.
There are few professional sports as closely bound to technology and manufacturing as cycling.
Not only have the racing bikes changed but also the culture of the race, and this may be due to advanced technology and manufacturing. During the first Tour De France outside help was banned and one rider had to repair his own bike himself on three separate occasions. Now the race leaders are supported by eight other cyclists and have dozens of coaches, trainers and mechanics on hand to help.
Cyclists now get information about their energy output from power meters attached to the rear hubs. The data is then transmitted back their coaches, who talk to the cyclists through tiny earpieces.
Watch the video below to see how modern day bikes are now made!
We hope you enjoy watching the Tour De France over the upcoming weeks.
Have a good weekend.
Roya
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