The 2026 Tour de France Femmes, held across Switzerland and France, is currently embroiled in a controversy involving accusations that some female cyclists are wearing padded bras to gain an aerodynamic advantage during time trials. Several women's WorldTeams have reportedly complained that riders are faking a larger cup size using padding in their bras, which acts as a chest fairing to reduce air resistance by up to 3.6%.

According to Bert Blocken, a professor of aerodynamics at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland and LUT in Finland, "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." He added that while the benefit may not amount to tens of seconds in a time trial, over rides of 20 to 30 kilometers, it can yield seconds that could be decisive.

The Dutch outlet Wielerflits reported receiving several complaints from women's WorldTeams about this practice. To address the issue, it has been suggested to "have a female juror check the riders in a closed tent immediately after the time trial to ensure they are not hiding anything in their bras or under their aero clothing."

This controversy has emerged alongside the third stage of the race, which saw the longest solo breakaway victory in the event's history, though there is currently no indication that padded bras played any role in that outcome.

Notable riders competing in the event include Lotte Kopecky of Belgium, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot of France, Demi Vollering of the Netherlands, Magdeleine Vallieres Mill of Canada, Amber Kraak of the Netherlands, Anna van der Breggen of the Netherlands, Carlotta Cipressi of Italy, Margarita Garcia of Spain, and Evita Muzic of France.

Sources