We take you now to the world of sports, where the Women's Tour de France – officially known as the Tour de France Femmes – is apparently taking place. Riders from around the globe have gathered in a spirit of sports(wo)manship for the weeklong race across Switzerland and France that will determine cycling's best of the best.
A mere three days into the competition, rumors began swirling that some racers may have given themselves an unfair advantage by padding their sports bras, which apparently gives them a lift. An aerodynamic lift, that is.
Charges have been made that some of the cyclists appear far less voluptuous during the race than they did during the time trials, with the implication being that they padded their bras and improved their times during the trials via aerodynamics.
UCI warns riders of checks for illegal bra-doping practices in Tour de France Femmes TT.
— Velo (@velovelovelo__) August 3, 2026
Governing body reacts to concerns of riders controversially bra-maxxing for aero benefit by hinting extra chest checks will be conducted ahead of Tuesday's stage. https://t.co/6LtXkqpIp1 pic.twitter.com/KROHzKy9ot
It's all very complicated and involves something called "chest fairing," which alters the airflow around a cyclist's body and reduces "overpressure" on their thighs. The result is an aerodynamic boost that can shave a few seconds off the rider's time.
A rounder chest, an advantage in certain other ways, also helps reduce aerodynamic drag through something called chest fairing, according to Bert Blocken, a professor of aerodynamics at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland and LUT in Finland.
The use of a padded bra is prohibited under the regulations of the International Cycling Union (UCI), which make it clear you can't place objects on the chest or use clothing to alter the body shape of a rider.
"We are talking about a Chest Fairing, which alters the airflow around the body, thereby reducing overpressure on the thighs. As a result, the rider experiences less air resistance," said Professor Blocken.
Professor Blocken reportedly conducted "extensive research" in chest fairings, and that research showed that athletes can "achieve a reduction in air resistance of up to 3.6% when using an object in the most optimal shape that covers the entire chest. This translates into a time saving of at least 0.78 seconds per kilometer."
During his studies, Blocken noted that several riders at one competition were visibly wearing something under their jerseys and "that the enlargement on one of these riders was executed 'very well'."
But, wait, there's more.
Two years ago, The Triathlete published an article about studies by Blocken and Jim Manton (ERO Sports) into the advantage triathletes gain when they tuck a water bottle under their jersey. For the average athlete, this can result in a saving of over 12 watts, which leads to a time gain of up to two minutes on a full Ironman. Here, too, it was clearly visible that the bottle streamlines the chest and directs the airflow between the legs, resulting in less back pressure on the pelvis.
Science, right?
The International Cycling Union has strict rules against chest fairing and prohibits "attaching foam, padding, tape, or plastic forms to or under the chest to create a more streamlined shape." If a rider is caught padding during a race, they are immediately disqualified.
Out: Lance Armstrong's style of doping.
In: Bra-doping.
The Tour de France Femmes goes through Sunday. May the best unenhanced woman win.
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