As the 2024 Tour de France kicks off in Florence on the 29th of June, cycling fans can look forward to more than just thrilling racing. The Tour de France is not only the most prestigious cycling race in the world but also the ultimate testing ground for cutting-edge technology and equipment in the sport. The race is a high-stakes battleground where every second counts and marginal gains can make the difference between victory and defeat.
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ToggleIn modern cycling, the equipment used by riders – from bikes and groupsets to wheels and tyres – is meticulously chosen and constantly refined to offer the highest possible performance. The attention to detail in selecting and optimising equipment is crucial. Each component must be lightweight, aerodynamic, and durable enough to withstand the demanding conditions of the Tour.
Bikes and Frames:
The frames used in the Tour are designed to be incredibly lightweight while maintaining the necessary stiffness for power transfer and handling. Brands like Wilier, Merida, and Specialized constantly innovate, integrating the latest materials and aerodynamic designs. A bike that is a few grams lighter or a frame that cuts through the air more efficiently can significantly impact a rider’s performance over the course of a stage.
Groupsets:
The groupset, which includes the gears, chain, and brakes, is another critical component. Teams often choose between Shimano Dura-Ace and SRAM Red AXS, each offering precise shifting and reliable performance. The choice of electronic shifting over mechanical can also save precious fractions of a second in gear changes, a critical advantage in a tightly contested sprint or climb.
Wheels and Tyres:
Wheels and tyres are pivotal in reducing rolling resistance and improving aerodynamics. Teams select wheels based on the stage profileโlightweight options for mountain stages and more aerodynamic, deeper-rimmed wheels for flat, fast sections. Tyres, such as the Continental GP5000 or Vittoria Corsa Pro, provide the necessary grip and low rolling resistance, and many teams have transitioned to tubeless setups for reduced puncture risk and better performance.
Clothing and Accessories:
Riders’ clothing, saddles, and even helmets are chosen to maximise comfort and aerodynamics. Brands like Castelli, Rapha, and Gobik provide high-performance kits that reduce drag. Helmets, like the Van Rysel aero helmet or the POC Procen Air, are designed to improve airflow around the rider’s head, reducing overall drag.
Computers and Finishing Kits:
The use of advanced bike computers, such as Garmin and Wahoo, helps riders and teams monitor performance data in real time, making strategic decisions on the fly. Finishing kits, including handlebars and stems from brands like FSA and Vision, are also designed for optimal performance and comfort.
The cumulative effect of these marginal gainsโeach tiny improvement in weight, aerodynamics, comfort, and efficiencyโcan be the difference between standing on the podium and finishing in the peloton. As we delve into the specifics of each teamโs equipment for the 2024 Tour de France, it becomes clear how these choices reflect the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines professional cycling at its highest level.
Tour de France 2024: Full team-by-team equipment rundown
Astana-Qazaqstan: New Wilier Bikes and High Hopes for Cavendish
Astana-Qazaqstan will be riding Wilier bikes for the fifth season, including the new Supersonica SLR TT time trial bike. They will also have an unreleased lightweight Wilier, previously seen with Groupama-FDJ. Mark Cavendish, recently knighted in the UK, will be looking to break the record for the most Tour stage wins on this new equipment. The team uses Shimano Dura-Ace groupsets, Vision wheels, and Vittoria Corsa tyres, ensuring top performance.
Bahrain-Victorious: Merida Bikes and Custom Designs
Racing on Merida Reacto and Scultura models, Bahrain-Victorious also utilises Vision wheels and Continental GP5000 S TR tyres. The team, known for their custom paint jobs, might surprise fans with new designs as they did last year. โWeโre excited about our setup for this yearโs Tour,โ said Matej Mohoriฤ, who secured a stage win on a custom bike last year. They also rely on FSA and Vision finishing kits, coupled with Garmin computers.
Bora-Hansgrohe: New Partnerships and Equipment
With Primoลพ Rogliฤ joining Bora-Hansgrohe, the team has updated to SRAM Red AXS groupsets and Hammerhead Karoo computers. The S-Works Tarmac SL8 and new Roval wheels are among the key updates. The team is also expected to announce a new partnership with Red Bull, and their finishing kit includes components from Specialized and PRO.
Cofidis: French Equipment and Tradition
Cofidis continues to use French brands with their Look frames, Corima wheels, and Michelin tyres. Victor Lafay, who won a stage last year, will be riding the Look 795 Blade. The team is also expected to showcase a new paint job inspired by Mondrian art. Their finishing kit comes from FSA and Vision, and they use Wahoo computers.
Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale: Affordable Yet High-Performance
Riding Van Rysel RCR frames, Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale has seen significant success this year. The team’s equipment package includes the top-performing Van Rysel aero helmet, a standout in recent tests. โOur equipment is some of the fastest around,โ said a team representative. They also use SwissSide Hadron wheels and Fizik saddles.
EF Education-EasyPost: Custom Cannondales and Aero Focus
The team sticks with Cannondale SuperSix Evo LAB 71 frames and features unique paint jobs. Aero-obsessed Ben Healey often opts for the SystemSix model. The team’s setup includes Shimano Dura-Ace equipment and FSA power meters, with the new POC Procen Air helmet. They use Wahoo computers and Rapha clothing.
Groupama-FDJ: Wilier Bikes and New Tyre Choices
Switching to Wilier bikes this season, Groupama-FDJ riders will use the new Supersonica SLR TT bike. The team has been testing both Continental GP5000 tubeless and Competition tubular tyres, and the transition to tubeless might be complete by the Tour. Their finishing kit is from Wilier, and they rely on Garmin computers.
Ineos Grenadiers: New Dogma F and Versatile Wheel Choices
Ineos Grenadiers will debut the new Pinarello Dogma F which has been seen a recent races, sticking with Shimano groupsets and wheels. The team often switches to special wheels for key stages, including the high-end Tactic hubs. They use MOST finishing kits and Garmin computers.
Intermarchรฉ – Wanty: Consistency and Colour
Using Cube Litening frames, Intermarchรฉ – Wanty maintains a consistent equipment setup. Known for their bright green handlebar tape, team leader Biniam Girmay aims for a stage win on his Cube bike. Their finishing kit is from Cube, and they use Bryton computers.
Alpecin-Deceuninck: Steady Success with Canyon
Alpecin-Deceuninck continues their success on Canyon Aeroad bikes. World Champion Mathieu van der Poel may ride a custom-painted frame, while Jasper Philipsen, last year’s green jersey leader, is likely to feature on a custom green Aeroad. The team uses Selle Italia saddles and Wahoo computers.
Visma-Lease a Bike: Renaissance-Themed Bikes and Tech Innovations
Defending champion Jonas Vingegaard will ride on custom-painted Cervรฉlo bikes with a Renaissance theme. The team also introduces new SRAM Red AXS groupsets and may employ 1x drivetrain systems for specific stages. Their finishing kit is from FSA, and they use Garmin computers. Their bike with its new paint scheme is pictured at the top of this page.
Arkรฉa – B&B Hotels: Bianchi Controversy and Performance
Arkรฉa – B&B Hotels, riding Bianchi Oltre RC and Specialissima models, faced issues with mechanical failures at Paris-Roubaix. However, the team has ensured their equipment is ready for the Tour. They use Vision Metron wheels and Selle Italia saddles, with Wahoo computers.
Movistar: Long-term Canyon Partnership
Entering their 11th year with Canyon, Movistar riders will use the Aeroad and Ultimate models. They also have access to the new SRAM Red AXS groupset. Their finishing kit is from Canyon, and they use Garmin computers.
Soudal-QuickStep: Specialised Bikes for the Wolfpack
Soudal-QuickStep rides the S-Works Tarmac SL8, with World Time Trial Champion Remco Evenepoel on a custom-painted Shiv TT bike. The team relies on Shimano Dura-Ace groupsets and Roval wheels. They use Garmin computers and Castelli clothing.
Jayco Al-Ula: Giant Bikes and Australian Pride
Riding Giant Propel Advanced SL and TCR Advanced SL models, Jayco Al-Ula features eye-catching paint jobs. Australian Champion Luke Plapp’s custom kit and bike will be standout visuals on the road. They use Cadex wheels and saddles, with Wahoo computers.
DSM – Firmenich PostNL: Scott Bikes and Versatile Options
DSM races on Scott Addict RC and Foil RC bikes, with Shimano Dura-Ace components. Sprinter Fabio Jakobsen favours the Foil RC model. Their finishing kit is from Syncros, and they use Wahoo computers.
Lidl-Trek: New Tech and Lightweight Frames
Lidl-Trek introduces a new lightweight frame alongside their Trek Madone models. They switch to SRAM Red AXS groupsets and Pirelli P Zero tyres, with Mads Pedersen already winning on the new bike. They use Bontrager finishing kits and Wahoo computers.
UAE Team Emirates: Colnago Innovation
Tadej Pogaฤar aims for his third Tour win on the Colnago V4Rs and TT1 models. The team employs exotic Carbon Ti chainrings and rotors for weight savings. They use Enve wheels and handlebars, with Wahoo computers.
Lotto-Dstny: Spanish Orbea Bikes
Lotto-Dstny races on Orbea Orca models and has faced wheel/tyre compatibility issues earlier this year. The team supports Arnaud De Lie’s quest for a stage win. They use Zipp wheels and Selle Italia saddles, with Garmin computers.
Israel-Premier Tech: Factorโs Innovations
Riding Factor Ostro and O2 Vam models, Israel-Premier Tech features Black Inc wheels and integrated handlebars. The team also uses CeramicSpeed OSPW for drivetrain efficiency. They use Garmin computers and Ekoi clothing.
Total Energies: Enveโs New Era
Total Energies transitions to Enve bikes and wheels, with Continental GP5000 tyres. Despite lacking a time trial bike, they use blacked-out Specialized Shiv TT bikes. They use Enve finishing kits and Garmin computers.
Uno-X Mobility: Aggressive Design and Unique Features
Uno-X Mobility uses Dare bikes with standout designs. The team relies on Shimano Dura-Ace groupsets and DT Swiss wheels, along with Schwalbe Pro One tyres. Their bikes also feature CeramicSpeed OSPW, and they use Garmin computers.
Tour de France 2024: Teams and their Bikes, Components, Groupsets and Finishing Kits
Team | Bikes | Groupset | Wheels | Tyres | Clothing | Saddles | Finishing Kit | Computers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Astana-Qazaqstan | Wilier Triestina | Shimano Dura-Ace | Vision | Vittoria Corsa Pro | Biemme | Prologo | Wilier | Garmin |
Bahrain-Victorious | Merida | Shimano Dura-Ace | Vision | Continental GP5000 | Alรฉ | Prologo | FSA & Vision | Garmin |
Bora-Hansgrohe | Specialized | SRAM Red AXS | Roval | Specialized Turbo | Le Col | Specialized | PRO & Specialized | Hammerhead Karoo |
Cofidis | Look | Shimano Dura-Ace | Corima | Michelin Power Tubular | Van Rysel / Ekoi | Selle Italia | FSA & Vision | Wahoo |
Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale | Van Rysel | Shimano Dura-Ace | SwissSide Hadron | Continental GP5000 | Van Rysel / Rosti | Fizik | Deda & Van Rysel | Wahoo |
EF Education-EasyPost | Cannondale | Shimano Dura-Ace | Vision | Vittoria Corsa Pro | Rapha | Prologo | FSA & Vision | Wahoo |
Groupama-FDJ | Wilier Triestina | Shimano Dura-Ace | Shimano | Continental GP5000 | Alรฉ | Prologo | Wilier Triestina | Garmin |
Ineos Grenadiers | Pinarello | Shimano Dura-Ace | Shimano | Continental GP5000 | Gobik | Prologo | MOST | Garmin |
Intermarchรฉ – Wanty | Cube | Shimano Dura-Ace | Newmen | Continental GP5000 | Nalini | Prologo | Cube | Bryton |
Arkea-B&B Hotels | Bianchi | Shimano Dura-Ace | Vision Metron | Vittoria Corsa Pro | Jinga | Selle Italia | Bianchi | Wahoo |
Team Visma | Lease a Bike | Cervรฉlo | SRAM Red AXS | Reserve | Vittoria Corsa Pro | AGU | Fizik | FSA |
Alpecin-Deceuninck | Canyon | Shimano Dura-Ace | Shimano | Vittoria Corsa Pro | Kalas | Selle Italia | Canyon & Selle Italia | Wahoo |
Movistar Team | Canyon | SRAM Red AXS | Zipp | Continental GP5000 | Gobik | Fizik | Canyon | Garmin |
Soudal-QuickStep | Specialized | Shimano Dura-Ace | Roval | Specialized Turbo | Castelli | Specialized | PRO & Specialized | Garmin |
Jayco AlUla | Giant | Shimano Dura-Ace | Cadex | Vittoria Corsa Pro | Alรฉ | Cadex | Giant | Wahoo |
DSM – Firmenich Postnl | Scott | Shimano Dura-Ace | Shimano | Vittoria Corsa Pro | Nalini | Syncros | Syncros | Wahoo |
Lidl-Trek | Trek | SRAM Red AXS | Bontrager | Pirelli P Zero | Santini | Bontrager | Bontrager | Wahoo |
UAE Team Emirates | Colnago | Shimano Dura-Ace | Enve | Continental GP5000 | Pissei | Prologo | Colnago | Wahoo |
Uno-X Mobility | Dare | Shimano Dura-Ace | DT Swiss | Schwalbe Pro One | Bioracer | Prologo | Dare | Garmin |
Total Energies | Enve | Shimano Dura-Ace | Enve | Continental GP5000 | Sportful | Selle Italia | Enve | Garmin |
Israel Premier Tech | Factor | Shimano Dura-Ace | Black Inc | Continental GP5000 | Ekoi | Selle Italia | Black Inc | Garmin |
Lotto-Dstny | Orbea | Shimano Dura-Ace | Zipp | Vittoria Corsa Pro | Vermarc | Selle Italia | Orbea | Garmin |