The Tour de France is a spectacle of human endurance and technological innovation, where every gram counts and every second matters. The phrase 'marginal gains' has become synonymous with the sport, reflecting the pursuit of incremental improvements that can make all the difference. In this article, I'll delve into the world of these seemingly minuscule upgrades, exploring the creative and often humorous ways in which teams and riders strive for every possible advantage. From the seemingly trivial to the surprisingly effective, these marginal gains are the building blocks of success on the road.
One of the most common and easily overlooked gains is the use of tape. Every bolt and void on a bike can be a source of drag, and thus a potential gain. Teams like Visma-Lease a Bike take this to the extreme, taping over adjustment bolts on seatposts and even the handlebar bolts on Jonas Vingegaard's Cervélo S5. This simple act of covering up small gaps not only reduces drag but also adds a touch of team identity. It's a testament to the idea that every little bit helps, and in a race where stages are won and lost by millimetres, these small changes can add up.
Another area of focus is the bottom bracket. UAE Team Emirates, led by Tadej Pogačar, has taken a unique approach by fitting an aftermarket unit from Bikone. This unit has a smooth non-drive side threaded cup, which, according to the brand, 'saves watts with every pedal stroke'. While the exact wattage gain is unknown, the 17g weight saving over the standard Bikone unit is a significant contribution to overall performance. This is a prime example of how even the most unassuming components can be upgraded to enhance efficiency.
Derailleur cages are another area where marginal gains can be found. Teams are now swapping out stock Dura-Ace retaining bolts for aluminium ones, reducing weight and potentially improving aerodynamics. This is a subtle change, but in a sport where every gram counts, these small adjustments can make a big difference. It's a reminder that sometimes the most effective gains come from the most unexpected places.
The use of coloured tape is an interesting development. Lidl-Trek applied strips of different coloured tape down the sides of each rider's TT bike during the opening team time trial. This was an attempt to reduce cognitive load, allowing riders to focus on their position without having to constantly adjust their position. It's a smart solution that builds on previous innovations, such as the Astana hack where riders wore different coloured gloves and aero socks. This demonstrates how marginal gains can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Black electrical tape is a versatile tool in the world of marginal gains. It can be used to tape over bolts and voids, but it can also be applied to derailleur cages to create a superlight aero hack. While the weight saving is minimal, the cost is negligible, making it a no-brainer for teams looking to shave off every possible gram. This is a perfect example of how small, inexpensive changes can add up over time.
Bottle cages are another area where marginal gains can be found. The Elite Leggero Carbon cage, tipping the scales at a mere 13g a piece, offers a significant 27g saving per cage. This is a maximal gain by the standards of this list, and it's a testament to the idea that even the most basic components can be upgraded to enhance performance. Pogačar's choice of these cages over his aero cages is a clear indication of the value of these small improvements.
Thru-axles are another unglamorous part of a bike that has been given the bling treatment. Teams are swapping out standard thru-axles for lightweight aluminium versions, reducing weight and potentially improving aerodynamics. While carbon thru-axles can be found, they are not yet widely adopted. This is a reminder that sometimes the most effective gains come from the most unexpected places, and that even the most basic components can be upgraded to enhance performance.
Lightweight disc rotor lockrings are another example of marginal gains. Lidl-Trek's fancy hubs garnered a lot of attention, but the replacement of standard disc rotor lockrings with grey Tactic-branded units is a subtle yet effective upgrade. These units are 'exceptionally light and strong', weighing a claimed 12.4 grams per pair. While the actual gain in performance may be minimal, the aesthetic and sponsor arrangement benefits are significant.
Finally, the choice of computer on Jonas Vingegaard's Cervélo P5 time-trial bike is an interesting example of marginal gains. Rather than the current small-but-premium Garmin Edge 550, Vingegaard chose the smaller, older Garmin Edge 540. This was likely a practical decision, as for a time trial, a power number and distance figure are likely more important than a large, feature-rich computer. This is a reminder that sometimes the most effective gains come from the most unexpected places, and that even the most basic components can be upgraded to enhance performance.
In conclusion, the Tour de France is a showcase of human ingenuity and the pursuit of marginal gains. From the seemingly trivial to the surprisingly effective, these small improvements can add up to significant advantages. It's a reminder that in a sport where every second counts, every little bit helps. As the sport continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions emerge, pushing the boundaries of what's possible and inspiring a new generation of riders and fans alike.
