A TOUR DE FRANCE star has been caught up in a cheating scandal after allegedly using bra boosters to gain an advantage.
The outrage has come during the Tour de Femmes, with some riders being accused of artificially exaggerating their bust size to gain an aerodynamic advantage – echoing the earlier this year.
Tour de France Femmes has been hit by a cheating row scandal Credit: Getty
It’s been suggested some riders have put padding down their chests Credit: Getty
According to leading Belgian and Dutch publication WielerFlits, several women’s WorldTour teams have raised concerns over riders padding their bras.
Fears of the phenomenon, also known as “chest fairing”, came about before Tuesday’s time trial, with the increased surface area from the padding changing the airflow around the rider and giving them a speed boost.
The Telegraph reported on how Bert Blocken, professor of aerodynamics at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland and LUT in , had been sent photos suggesting objects were stuck in some female riders shirts.
Prof. Blocken released a study which found chest fairing can give a 3.6 per cent drag reduction and could decide who wins and loses a time trial event.
Femmes announced on Monday they would attempt to prevent any scandals of this nature arising.
They would do this by requiring riders to report for bike and outfit checks at least 10 minutes before the start of Tuesday’s fourth stage.
Chest fairing was previously seen in 2023 and 2024 in the men’s tour.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) prohibit the act of artificially altering clothing.
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Being caught offending carries the risk of an immediate disqualification or fine ranging from £184 to £918 or more for severe breaches.
However, there is little enforcement for this rule.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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