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Tour de France

VeloNews Road Road Racing Tour de France

In the pits at the Tour: Stage 1 tech and fun

Dan Cavallari was on hand at the start of the Tour's opening stage to catch a glimpse of the pre-race action, the shiny new tech, and more

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

In
It’s a quiet Tour start for new tech, but Vision launched its new Metron 5D integrated handlebar for stage 1. The bar tops taper 10 degrees forward, allowing riders to position themselves further forward over the front wheel while maintaining a natural bend at the elbows. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
According to FSA reps, the new bars save riders up to 4 watts over traditional round bars. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
The new Bianchi Oltre XR4 CV makes its first appearance at the Tour. It’s an aero design paired with Bianchi’s Countervail technology that helps quiet road vibrations while adding lateral stiffness. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
Orbea’s calling this the Spy bike: The black frame is criss-crossed with white stripes to hide the tube shapes. Geoffrey Soupe is riding it for the first few stages of the 2016 Tour, though the lead-out man is without his sprinter, Nacer Bouhanni. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
We often say the strong riders bring out the big guns, but this guy begs to differ. Security at this year’s Tour de France is much more thorough and stringent than in years past. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
Nairo Quintana comes into the 2016 Tour with grand ambitions and his proven Canyon bike rolling on Campagnolo wheels. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
We couldn’t confirm it, but we heard whispers from bystanders that Quintana’s wheels aren’t what they seem. They appear to be stock Bora Ultra 50 wheels, but there’s gossip about a new brake track. Stay tuned for more details as we obtain them. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
Today we got to see the now-famous Spartacus bike in action. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
Between his last training ride before stage one and his roll-out to the stage 1 start, Cancellara added a custom stem badge similar to the one that appeared on his Madone from last year’s Tour. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
Early weather conditions before stage one changed rapidly as the roll-out approached. Dan Martin started on his way through the team paddock without arm warmers but quickly changed his mind as the sun dipped behind the clouds and the wind picked up near Mont Saint-Michel. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
Don’t adjust the color on your monitor. The new Poc 10th anniversary helmets and glasses really are that bright lime-green (bordering on yellow) color. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
Along with the new helmet colors, some Cannondale-Drapac riders will be astride SuperSix Evo Hi-Mods with a new paint scheme. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
Cannondale – Drapac is sporting a fresh look. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
Peter Stetina was mellow before the start of stage 1 at the Tour de France. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
The remnants of Stetina’s horrific knee injury stood out in stark relief against his calm mood. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
Ducks — er, Treks — in a row. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
UCI officials checked for motors at the 2016 Tour de France stage 1 start. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
A few years ago, it would have been breaking news to spot a camera on a pro’s bike. Now, they’re everywhere, including on Rohan Dennis’s handlebars. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
The team paddock was tight quarters before stage 1. Here, Marcel Kittel (Etixx-Quick Step) weaves his way through the BMC team cars on his way to check in for the stage, which wound its way through the fields outside of Mont Saint-Michel. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
Last-minute drivetrain tweaks happen wherever there’s space. In this case, Giant-Alpecin team mechanics did the job between team buses as fans look on. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
John Degenkolb might be having more fun than any other rider at the Tour. He made motorcycle noises as he wound his way through the crowd on the way to check-in. He’s one of us. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
Richie Porte rode to the starting line on a stark-white BMC Teammachine. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
Did Cadel Evans bring his BMC kit with him, just in case he needs to suit up? Probably not, but the former Tour winner was on hand to provide moral support to his BMC compatriots. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
In
This guy was having a ball. Photo: Dan Cavallari | VeloNews.com
Astana
Expectations are high for Astana’s Fabio Aru, who starts stage one on a custom-painted Specialized S-Works Tarmac.

Trending on Velo

An American in France

What’s it like to be an American cyclist living in France? Watch to get professional road cyclist Joe Dombrowski’s view.

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