New Garmin Edge cycling computers are shipped with an emergency tether that secures the computer should the Edge be jostled out of its mount. Though it is a simple and almost weightless way to protect a valuable tool, this is the first time I’ve ever seen the tether in use by a professional team.
Every bike’s tyre pressure is set and checked before every stage. A major reason for this: most bikes in the Tour use tubular tyres with latex tubes, and they leak down much more quickly than butyl tubes (which most bikes likely run on). However, a latex tube has lower rolling resistance, is a bit lighter, and may be more flat resistant than a butyl tube, so it’s worth the extra effort. Some mechanics consider tyre pressure tactical information that should be kept secret, while others are more forthcoming. Overall though, the tour riders roll on higher pressures, even though they have generally moved from 23 to 25 millimetre wide tyres. 7.8 bar for the front and the rear tyre’s pressure was probably higher.
Cassettes of all sizes are easily accessible inside the Quick-Step Floors tech truck. Drivetrain manufactures—Shimano and SRAM in particular—continue to expand their gearing options with ever-wider-range cassettes, which team riders may choose for the steepest and hardest mountain stages. For flatter stages, riders still prefer close-ratio cassettes.
Heat-shrink tubing is a popular way for mechanics to wrangle unruly electronic shifting wires and make a bike look nicer. Note the precise cut in the tubing for the Campy EPS drivetrain’s shifter in and interface out wires.
Mechanics mark a rider’s saddle height so it may be quickly reset if the seatpost is removed, and to provide a quick way to check if the seatpost has slipped. Some mechanics use paint or permanent marker, but a small sticker works just as well for UAE Team Emirates mechanics.
If you have dreams of becoming a Tour de France calibre mechanic, practice your bar wrapping. Tour mechanics not only wrap fast, they wrap pretty, and they have a variety of techniques at their disposal. I saw top down; drops up; drive side clockwise/non drive counterclockwise; drive side counterclockwise/non-drive clockwise; small, medium, and large tape overlap; multi-layer wraps. This Direct Energie bike was wrapped drive side counterclockwise/non-drive clockwise with medium overlap. The tape stops just past the hoods so as not to ruin the aerodynamics of the Vision Metron 5D integrated handlebar.
Power washers and powerful degreasers are the secret to the spotlessly-clean bikes the riders mount at the start of every stage. It’s not a good idea to wash your bike this way unless you get free parts, and unlimited grease and chain lube.