tour de france smart trainer

How to Experience Tour de France On Your Smart Trainer

So you want to ride Tour de France? Luckily with the help of your smart trainer, you can now experience some of these grueling stages without leaving your home.

Here is a list of the best available options. This is a quick list that I created. I will probably be updating it as I get more feedback. Please send me an email or comment below if you know of better options that I didn’t list here or have any question.

You can find a full list of GPX files which you can use to upload to your Garmin and ride on your trainer. Your trainer will have to be ANT+ FE-C compatible for this to work.

• MapMyTracks has a good list of all the stages. You can download each stage and upload to your device or cycling app. Just click on the + sign next to the stage you want to download and then click on replay event. You will see an option to download the route in GPX, TCX, or TML format.
• Strava: I don’t know why I can’t search routes using Strava website. Am I missing something? But here is a list of Tour de France 2017 routes courtesy of Google search.

Once you download the GPX files, then you have the option to either use a cycling app that allows you to create routes, like CycleOps Virtual Trainer, Kinomap, or Elite MyEtraining app.

Other options are also available with videos and more interactivity. Plus, you don’t have to deal with GPX files. However, you might have to pay a little to get access to these videos.

• Full Gaz This is my favorite option and the easiest. All you need to do is download the app and create your account. You will have to download each video separately which might take time depending on how fast your internet connection is. Plus, right now, FulGaz is offering a 6-climb challenge for a chance to win a Kinetic Smart Trainer . The challenge is available until July 23rd. After that, the routes will remain in their app and available to use. FulGaz has 14 days free trial period. After that, subscription cost $9-$11 depending on the length of your subscription.
• Kinomap : Only some videos are available here but I expect to see more as more people create these videos. You can also use GPX files to create your own Tour de France map and ride it on your smart trainer.
• Cyclops Virtual Training . I couldn’t find any videos of the Tour. However, CycleOps Virtual Training offers one of the best to create and ride a route. Just import any of the GPS files I listed above. You can try VirtualTraining for two weeks. Monthly subscription cost between $9-15/month.

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• Sports & Outdoors
• Exercise & Fitness
• Cardio Training
• Exercise Bikes

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Tour De France CBC Exercise Bike

Delivery & support, about this item.

• Use: indoor
• Display: LCD
• 16 Resistance Levels
• Resistance Type: SMR
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 74 x 133.5 x 129.9 cm

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Top Brand: ProForm

Product description.

Description The ProForm Tour de France CBC indoor bike is not a simple exercise bike, it is an interactive bike with innovative technology. The Tour de France CBC adapts to the topography of the street, simulating a real tour. It is the best equipment to improve your goals more and more. Thanks to iFit's interactive technology, you can ride all over the world. Choose from the 24 favorite circuits or even better, create your journey yourself! Using Google Maps technology, with this application developed by ProForm called iFit Coach Ready that automatically simulates, every hill, every obstacle you can encounter in your path as if it were a real race. With this application you can follow your training automatically, compete with your friends and at the same time realize your goals. This iFit application is integrated into your machine without the need for wired connections. Access your iFit account from your bike, tablet, smartphone and start this adventure (optional subscription in the iFit tab). Specifications: - iFit Bluetooth compatible - LED display - Steering wheel inertia: 10 kg - Resistance: SMR Silent Magnetic - 16 levels Digital Smart Resistance - Quick-Stop Braking System - Integrated tablet holder - Horizontal and vertical adjustable saddle - Adjustable, non-slip and multi-position handlebars - Handlebar with submerged grips - Ergonomic and padded saddle - Bottle holder - Pedals with clips and straps to adjust The feet - Transport wheels on the front - Large diameter adjustable leveling feet Technology: - iFit Bluetooth (requires paid subscription) Allows you to carry out smart training sessions that allow you to reach goals faster.

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ProForm Tour de France Pro 5.0 Indoor Cycle Review

Exercise Bike Editorial Team Last Updated: October 9, 2019

With the tag line, “Be Better- Be Unbeatable,” the Tour de France Pro 5.0 by ProForm impresses with its multiple customizable options and high-performance features. With a 20% incline/decline, this bike makes it easy to simulate varying terrain. And with 24 preset tour workout apps , which now feature stages from the 2015 Tour de France, it’s easy and fun to change up your route and workout.

In addition to great program variety, the Pro 5.0 is also iFit enabled, with a 10″ touchscreen display where users can enjoy HD video workouts via the Android-powered browser. Equipped with innovative, high-tech and high-performance features like these, this indoor trainer is built to impress.

This bike retails for $1,999 on the ProForm website, which includes shipping as well as a 30-day money back guarantee. Here’s our full, detailed review of the ProForm TDF Pro 5.0 for model year 2015.

• Electronic Shifting Controls: There are 30 gears and customizable gear ratios to match your individual bike ride. This model is also equipped with a triple front chainring and 10 back derailleurs.
• Pedals with Cages: For better grip and increased comfort, the pedals are designed with toe cages and straps.
• Incline/Decline: The TDF Pro 5.0 is equipped with an incline/decline capability of 20% and multiple programs that will automatically adjust the incline/decline to achieve desired results. With these options, it’ easy to change up routes and train to your top potential.
• Web-Enabled Touchscreen Display: A 10″ full-color touchscreen display, powered by Android, makes this trainer a tech-savvy model. The web-enabled console is also iFit compatible so if you have a subscription to this program, you can access tons of unique routes powered by Google Maps.
• Multiple Workout Apps: Choose from 24 preset tour workout apps, which now feature stages from the 2015 Tour de France.
• iFit Compatibility: If you have a subscription to the iFit program, you can enjoy access to your personally stored workout stats and tons of routes powered by Google Maps.
• Power Meter Display: The Power Meter display is a unique built-in feature that is really helpful, especially if you are training for a race. The Power Meter displays your personal cycling performance with precision readouts and watts measurements, and then calibrates the power display to ensure precise readouts individualized to your performance.
• Multiple Adjustable Features: This bike provides an adjustable saddle (which can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically) and handlebars, as well as adjustable leveling feet.
• Wireless Heart Rate Monitoring: Using BLE wireless technology, this model is compatible with the hands-free BLE heart rate monitor, but the actual monitor is sold separately.

The Not-So-Great:

• Warranty: The lifetime warranty coverage on the frame is nice, but the 3 years on parts and 1 year on labor is not.
• Shipping Concerns: A few customers have experienced issues with shipping on this model, so be aware.

Who should use the ProForm Tour de France 5.0?

See the proform tdf pro 5.0 indoor cycle promotion video.

The Bottom Line

Proform tour de france pro 5.0 indoor cycle specs.

• Bike Reviews Pros April 26, 2019 at 9:13 am Hi Nikos, if you are looking for specific parts we advise contacting customer service directly at 1-888-742-0128 who can assist you. Reply

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NordicTrack Commercial S22i Review Echelon Smart Connect Ex1 Review Keiser M3 Indoor Cycle Review Sole SB700 Bike Light Commercial Proform Studio 22 Review

• Subscribers

Gear Break: Pas Normal Studios Essential Line, Swiftwick ASPIRE Seven Socks, JetBlack Smart Trainer, Schwalbe CLIK VALVE, Muc-Off’s Latest Weapon In The War On Punctures & Bravur Celebrates the Tour de France

The best kit on offer.

Gear Break: Pas Normal Studios SS24 Essential Line, Swiftwick ASPIRE Seven socks, JetBlack launches their latest Smart Trainer – they call it a VICTORY for all, valve revolution: New Schwalbe CLIK VALVE makes inflating child’s play, Muc-Off’s latest weapon in the war on punctures and Bravur celebrates the Tour de France by adding la Grande Boucle IV to its popular Grand Tour chronograph collection.

Pas Normal Studios SS24 Essential Line

Essential is the premium collection from Pas Normal Studios, lending effortless style to all rides. With premium fabrics and a focus on comfort and layering in mind the Essential Collection is a representation of seasonal colour palettes set on structured fabrics.

Comfortable fit The Essential Collection is created with a fit with comfort and layering in mind. Soft and fully dyed fabrics merged with gilets and jackets with ample space for layering, the collection combines seamlessly across seasons.

Key Pieces The collection includes four new colourways of the Essential Jerseys (men’s and women’s) and a seasonal take on the recently developed Essential Long Sleeve Jersey, ideally suited for spring riding. Complemented by the Essential Insulated Gilet and Essential Insulated Jacket for both men and women.

Men’s Essential Jersey — Check Olive Green

Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: I like bright colours, maybe it’s because of where I live, but Pas sent me a Check Olive Green design. At first I didn’t like it, but it has grown on me, plus when you look at how well it has been made and the small details, you can appreciate the quality. Personally I would have gone for the Check Brick or the Check Dark Purple, but that’s all about choice.

Full zip (obviously) with little zip pouches top and bottom and a ‘proper’ collar. Three rear pockets and a little zipped pocket on the right-hand side, made separately from the other pockets in a special ‘protection’ material. The stitching is particularly strong at the pockets, actually looking at all the needlework, the jersey has been made very robustly with double stitching on main seems and single where it isn’t as important. There are side panels for the body shape and the shoulders and sleeves are well proportioned.

The sleeves are fairly long, but there are no silicone grippers, so you can suit yourself to length – adjustable tan lines. There is a gripper band round the waist which stops any riding up or down, everything stays in place. As I said before; the Essential jersey is very well made and has all the little things you want for a pleasurable ride.

Pas info: The easy-care, wrinkle-free, and quick-drying properties of the Essential jersey’s fabric make this an ideal addition to your rotation of kit for both leisure rides and sportives. With a relaxed but not loose fit, this piece remains equally adept on short training rides, social rides and longer days in the saddle. This piece is developed for all-day comfort.

Product details

• High-wicking and quick-drying fabrics
• Fully-dyed fabric
• Guarded zip ends
• Extended sleeve lengths
• Relaxed fit
• Zippered side pocket with protected insert
• Robust YKK zipper with semi-auto-lock puller
• Abrasion-resistant to eliminate fabric pilling
• Durable and resistant to corrosive agents in sun creams
• Fabric: 86% Polyester, 14% Elastane

Men’s Essential Bibs — Black

Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: Bib shorts all depend on the pad – if the pad is good, the shorts are good. The pad in the Pas Essential bibs are a luxury for your nether regions. The padding starts quite thin at the edges and becomes thicker at the points where you need it. The padded area seems quite short, but then most saddles are becoming shorter and once have the bibs on they won’t move away from the important area. As with many pads these days, the front part has no padding, just the material against the ‘family jewels’ . A top class pad.

The Pas Essential bibs are made up of many panels and you can feel the shape fits. The back is high and there is a large rear panel (in white) between the straps. This holds them at shoulder width, the straps are quite broad and sit comfortably. the front area is low enough for a ‘comfort’ stop. There is ‘PAS NORMAL STUDIOS’ on one leg and ‘ESSENTIAL’ on the rear panel, but both are black on black, so, very subtle. The silicone gripper is made up of a criss-cross pattern. It works well without annoying the skin. There is a leg cargo pocket, which easily takes an iPhone Max, if you are brave enough, but is useful for many things, if that’s what you like. Personally it’s not for me: It’s on your leg and I found it annoying, but many people love them. With nothing in the pocket you forget it’s there, so no big problem. Yes, very nice bibs.

Pas info: The Essential Bibs is created to suit both short training efforts and long days in the saddle. With fully-dyed fabric and the same four-layer ultralight foam chamois used in our other bib shorts, the Essential Bibs are our most versatile offering. The micro-perforated straps are comfortable and soft while keeping the bibs in place. The main fabric is durable and stretchable yet still compressive. Finished with a wide elastic gripper on the leg.

• Four-layer ultralight foam chamois
• Micro-perforated straps
• Resilient to elastic degradation
• UPF 40 low-profile shoulder straps
• Fully-dyed fabrics
• Fabric: 82% Polyester 18% Elastane

Essential Socks — White

Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: Wool socks! I’d forgotten how nice they feel. 75% Merino Wool, but they have the stretchiness from the Polyamide and Elastane, so they stay neat on your legs and don’t fall down. They would please Chuck Peña as they come up a little higher than I like, but the main thing is they are comfortable. No over heating in 30ºC and I’m sure they would be warm in cold conditions, but I don’t do cold anymore. Nicely shaped at the heel and toe, with just the Pas name on the back and ‘Essential’ on the toe. Very nice in Classic white.

Pas info: Complete your kit with the new Essential Socks. The socks give you the best natural abilities of Merino Wool, constructed in a classic and lightweight sock. Merging the thermal and temperature regulating properties from Merino Wool in a cycling-specific sock for spring and summer. Bridging the gap between high-summer minimalism and the colder months.

• Material: 75% Merino Wool, 23% Polyamide, 2% Elastane
• Essential and Pas Normal Studios branding
• Lightweight merino wool sock
• Temperature regulation

Mid Sleeveless Base Layer — Off White

Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: Last week when I tried the Pas Essential collection it was 30ºC, so I probably didn’t need a base layer, but anyway it was nice to wear. In the hot weather, the under vest does take the sweat away from the skin and you do feel more comfortable. The Pas base layer is lightweight, so didn’t feel bulky and is figure hugging (I need to lose that 5kg), so stays in place with no riding up. Very soft, a real pleasure to wear.

Pas info: The ability to effectively layer is an absolute necessity when cycling throughout the winter. As an alternative to our innovative Heavy Base Layer, the Mid Base Layer offers all the benefits of the Polartec® Power Wool™ fabric, only for warmer days. The Mid Sleeveless Base Layer provides the ideal foundation for your winter layers. This sleeveless version is extremely versatile and is easily incorporated into your summer and your winter apparel wardrobe.

This base layer has been constructed using the innovative Polartec® Power Wool™ fabric. With a merino wool interior and a synthetic fibre exterior, we have developed a hybrid base layer with a distinct surface, created to optimise moisture control, breathability, and durability. The premium merino wool makes this piece naturally odour resistant while a high-efficiency grid backer traps warm air and aids in moisture transfer for quick drying.

• Polartec® Power Wool™
• Superior wicking action
• Fast drying
• Highly breathable
• Naturally odour resistant

So what is my final thoughts? I had seen Pas kit on riders, but didn’t really know anything about it. I’d say the quality of manufacture is probably one of the best I’ve seen and the little things make a difference. The materials used must be the best, you can feel it. The colours and designs are also different from other cycle clothing brands, maybe not all are to your liking, but there will be something for you as they do have a big range, including some very subtle pastel shades. I like Pas Normal Studios.

The collection is available online , at Pas Normal Studios Flagship Stores and with retailers.

Swiftwick ASPIRE Seven Socks – $19.99

ASPIRE™ features firm compression that hugs the contours of your feet supporting your arch and helping to decrease fatigue, every step, every mile. The compression in higher cuff heights stabilizes leg muscles and boosts circulation, reducing fatigue during extended activity. The thin, breathable design provides maximum ventilation and a barely there feeling, while moisture-wicking Olefin keeps your feet dry and blister-free, so you stay comfortable longer.

Chuck Peña PEZ sez: Socks are a lot like saddles in that they are a very personal choice based on anatomy and feel. Everyone has their own preferences for what they want in a pair of cycling socks. For me, the Swiftwick ASPIRE Seven socks tick all the right boxes:

• Thin enough to fit easily into race-level cycling shoes that aren’t designed to give your feet much of anything in the way of extra room
• A modicum of padding in the heel and toe for comfort pedaling for hours on end
• Firm enough compression for me to feel the socks “gripping” my feet and calves, which also means not having to worry about them slipping/falling down — plus the added benefit of helping to increase blood flow/circulation

And, of course, the fact that the ASPIRE Seven socks are tall — much to the chagrin of my PEZ compatriot, Ed Hood.  Speaking of Ed …

It’s now been some 15 months since he suffered his stroke. I know all of us at PEZ miss him and his wit. I miss our banter about socks and everything else cycling. We don’t expect Ed will make it back into our bunch, so we’ve started a GoFundMe page to help Ed with his future.  Read the full post here – and please consider donating. Thank you!

** Click this link to donate to the GoFundMe page to help Ed **

PEZ readers will know that I love to make statements with my socks and that I usually go colorful, but PEZ got the Swiftwick ASPIRE Sevens in classic white and basic black because those are socks every rider should have in their sock drawer. That plus they only come in three colors: white, black, and hi-viz yellow.

JetBlack Launches their Latest Smart Trainer – They Call it a VICTORY for All Building on the success of the JetBlack VOLT, which was heralded as the “smartest smart trainer” by cycling tech critics in 2022, JetBlack now introduce VICTORY.

JetBlack VICTORY Smart Trainer from JetBlack Cycling on Vimeo .

Today at Eurobike we get the first glimpse of the new JetBlack VICTORY Smart Trainer with Zwift Cog and Click. Reviewers, who have already had a sneak peek are excited.

Tony Simmonds, CEO and JetBlack Founder says that the VICTORY is perfectly named. On their website – JetBlack Cycling claim VICTORY is more accurate, more innovative, more integrated with Zwift, certified ‘Zwift Ready’, ensuring an excellent experience on Zwift, and more affordable at $399 US, $749 AUD, €449 and £399 , with Zwift Cog and Click pre-installed.

They say it performs as sweetly if not better than the JetBlack VOLT, with super responsive ride feel and accuracy. “The VICTORY is launched alongside a bench of brilliantly designed indoor training accessories including our innovative indoor training fan, front wheel block for freedom of movement and steering, heart rate monitor with LED connectivity indicator, and storage solutions for your devices with the trainer table and tray. All these are designed to make indoor riding more ergonomic, convenient and enjoyable” says Tony.

“Riders are going to love some of the new features of the VICTORY, like the portability with the handle, its super sleek looks, wi-fi and USB-C connectivity. Its features and performance are next level, and it rides like a dream”. Adds Tony.

VICTORY is among the first ‘Zwift Ready’ trainers, making it easier than ever to use the trainer out of the box on Zwift. The JetBlack Victory comes with Zwift Cog pre-installed & includes Zwift Click controller, providing the premium experience of virtual shifting with quiet and smooth gear changes, compatible with almost any type of bike. “I’m super proud of being among the first Zwift Ready indoor trainers in the world”. Tony reports.

“Zwift is the global premium indoor cycling platform and having their Zwift Cog on our hardware is the perfect combination. I’m excited about the experience that Zwifters will have on our trainer when riding on Zwift. The VICTORY delivers everything you should expect from this category of trainers PLUS so much more. It has BEST IN CLASS features too”, he adds.

At JetBlack they promise accessible performance from their products and in today’s economy, they wanted to make indoor cycling more affordable, but without skipping on the quality.

All this stacks up to provide the BEST performance and MOST COMPLETE feature set of ANY trainer on the market today. Also compatible with other indoor trainer apps by simply removing Zwift Cog and replacing with your cassette of choice.

Features in Detail:

More Integrated:

• Zwift Ready and more integrated with Zwift
• Among the first Zwift Ready trainers certified to deliver an excellent experience on Zwift
• Zwift Cog pre-installed will work with almost any 8-12 speed bike out of the box
• VICTORY optimised for virtual shifting on Zwift

More Accurate:

• Wi-Fi enabled – less Bluetooth drop outs NEW FEATURE
• Auto-spin down calibration –- maintains power accuracy during each ride – NEW
• 2% power accuracy (more accurate than VOLT) NEW

More Responsive:

• 10Hz Race Mode – responsive, real-time resistance – great for racing

More Power:

• 1800W (more powerful – Volt was 1600W
• 16% Gradient
• IN REAL LIFE RIDE DYNAMIC (IRLRD – responsive momentum to simulate riding outdoors)
• Quiet Operation – especially with Zwift Cog and Click – no gear change noise

More Convenient:

• Bluetooth Bridge – multiple device connectivity (Best in class)
• Odometer – track how many KM’s your trainer has done via the JetBlack App (NEW)
• USB-C connectivity – for hardwired connection to PC or Mac
• Handle for portability
• Disc brake block – insert device to prevent disk break jamming (Best in class)
• FTMS / ANT+FE-C / Zwift Protocol connectivity

More Innovation

• Proprietary Electromagnetic Motor System

More Affordable

• Getting more for less with the lowest cost, fully featured trainer on the market

Where to Get Victory: VICTORY and accessories will be available online from October in USA, EU and UK through www.jetblackcycling.com, Amazon, and in some big box retailers throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Selected JetBlack accessories are also currently available on www.zwift.com

In Australia, VICTORY and accessories will be available from August through cycling retail and online direct through www.jetblackcycling.com.au

Notify to Buy – get in early and JetBlack will let you know when and where VICTORY & Accessories will be available near you.

About Zwift Ready: The Zwift Ready program denotes smart trainers which support virtual shifting on Zwift and come with Zwift Cog pre-installed and Zwift Click controllers. Thanks to Zwift Cog, Zwift Ready trainers are compatible with almost any 8-12 speed bike.

Valve Revolution: New Schwalbe CLIK VALVE Makes Inflating Child’s Play New SCV valve to become the new industry standard in the medium term

There have always been new pump heads, but nobody has dared to tackle the root of many problems for over a hundred years: Schwalbe is now presenting a revolution for bicycle valves with the SCHWALBE CLIK VALVE (SCV). In contrast to Presta, Dunlop or Schrader valves, inflating bicycle tires is finally child‘s play thanks to an intuitive click system. And in the truest sense of the word, because John Quintana‘s aim when he invented the system was for his children to be able to inflate their own bicycle tires. He was annoyed by the fact that it was simply too complicated for them with the “old” valves (both technically and for reasons of space on the children‘s bike).

Quintana tried out prototypes of the click system with his children, who became enthusiastic testers. The new Schwalbe CLIK VALVE is set to become the new industry standard in the medium term. The associated pump head can be clicked onto the valve with little force and removed again very easily after successful inflating – handling couldn‘t be easier. The entire operation is possible with just two fingers.

There is no longer any risk of air loss, and signs of wear on the pump head are a thing of the past. This is because the function of the pump head remains constant (with other pumps it deteriorates with time/use). For tubeless use, the Schwalbe CLIK VALVE offers another huge additional advantage, as the air flow rate is 50% higher compared to the previously used SV valve.

As a first step, Schwalbe offers conversion kits for all existing valves and most pumps. All you have to do is replace the valve insert (Sclaverand, Dunlop, tubeless valve) and there is an adapter for car type valves. This must be screwed over the valve and can also be unscrewed again – so it is still possible to fill the tire with air at petrol stations.

The pump head adapter can be integrated into the pump head of current pumps (by clamping or screwing it in), which also applies to hand pumps. The SCHWALBE CLIK VALVE can also be inflated with normal SV pumps – so thanks to this reverse compatibility, you are never at a loss in any situation. The conversion kit includes the pump head adapter or pump head (depending on your choice) as well as a newly designed dust cap. As a leading manufacturer of bicycle accessories, SKS will already be offering its own pump at Eurobike. Other pump manufacturers will follow. Schwalbe will soon be producing its first tubes with the new SCHWALBE CLIK VALVE.

How exactly does the conversion work? At the valve: SV+DV: Simply unscrew the current valve insert (tool for SV is included) and screw in the SCHWALBE CLIK VALVE by hand, and the valve is ready.

AV: The adapter for the SCHWALBE CLIK VALVE can simply be screwed onto the car valve.

On the pump: Simply integrate the adapter into the AV pump head (clamp or screw in). The pump is then ready to “CLIK”.

• More info at: www.schwalbe.com .

Muc-Off’s Latest Weapon In The War On Punctures!

Our lab boffins have been busy creating the latest weapon in our war on punctures: Introducing new Road & Gravel Tubeless Sealant.

This high-tech formula containing bamboo fibres and natural mineral flakes effortlessly seals punctures up to 7mm while handling tyre pressures up to 110psi, so you can keep it pinned no matter what the ride throws at you.

Tested by our pro teams INEOS Grenadiers and EF Education EasyPost and developed specifically for road and gravel riders, this beast of a blend delivers the highest level of performance whilst being non-toxic and allergen free. Tough on punctures, not the environment!

Available in five different sizes: 80ml / 140ml / 500ml / 1L / 5L, our new Road & Gravel Tubeless Sealant is fully compatible with our Tubeless Valves, C02 Inflator Kits, and BAM!. This is the ultimate ‘F**K Punctures’ weapon!

Bravur Celebrates the Tour de France by Adding La Grande Boucle IV to its Popular Grand Tour Chronograph Collection Paying homage to the legendary race, the latest addition brings together style and functionality for any ride

As cycling fans tick down the days to the Tour de France, Bravur pays homage to the legendary race with the launch of its latest timepiece, the La Grande Boucle IV. The new iteration takes inspiration from the Tour combining exceptional craftsmanship with a contemporary design that captures the true essence of the iconic Grand Tour.

The latest watch boasts a versatile case diameter of 38.2mm, crafted from premium 316L stainless steel. The case features a stunning blend of brushed and polished surfaces, delivering a balanced and elegant aesthetic that is perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

Designed with cyclists in mind, it also includes three sub-dials for precise timekeeping: a 15-minute counter for tracking intervals, a 12-hour counter for longer rides and a running seconds sub-dial. At the centre, the main second-hand functions as a 60-second chronograph, ensuring accurate time measurement.

Powered by a Swiss movement with automatic winding, the La Grande Boucle IV guarantees reliable performance and enduring quality.

The watch features four strap options – perforated leather, black FKM rubber, yellow FKM rubber and stainless steel Milanese mesh – combining sportiness with elegance, enhanced by a vintage-inspired design. Each timepiece is meticulously hand-built to order in Båstad, Sweden.

Commenting on the new La Grande Boucle IV watch, Magnus Äppelryd , Co-founder of Bravur, said: “We are excited to add La Grande Boucle IV to our Grand Tour Chronograph collection. It is a watch that embodies the spirit of the Tour de France and the meticulous craftsmanship of Bravur. This model is a testament to our commitment to creating timepieces that are both functional and stylish.”

Key Features:

• Swiss-made automatic movement (calibre SW511b from Sellita)
• 62 h power reserve, 27 jewels
• Chronograph start/stop function
• Hand-built in Sweden
• 10 ATM water resistance38.2mm diameter
• Lume on hands and indices
• Available in Stainless Steel casing
• Sapphire crystal (on front and back)

Pricing and Availability:

• La Grande Boucle IV is made to order and is available in a Stainless Steel casing with prices from USD 2550 (excl VAT) / GBP 2460 (incl VAT) / EUR 2550 (incl VAT)
• All orders include free shipping worldwide and the watches are available to purchase online from: bravurwatches.com
• For more information about Bravur and the ‘Grand Tour Chronograph’ series, please visit: bravurwatches.com/collections/grand-tour

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How to Train For Tour de France Stages

July 06, 2022 3 min read

The Tour de France is one of the longest-running and most iconic cycle races in the world. This year, the race begins on Friday 1st July 2022 and the last stage is held on Sunday 24 July, consisting of 21 stages over 23 days.

Find out how the world’s best cyclists train for this Grand Tour and see how to train for the different stages yourself.

How to Prepare For The Tour

The Tour de France attracts the world’s top cyclists to undertake a gruelling 21 days of intense cycling. With various different stages along the way, from mountain climbs to sprints to time trials, athletes need to be in peak condition for this event. The preparation for the Tour de France is immense, from both the cyclists and their teams.

Cycle coaches will begin their preparation almost as soon the previous year’s race has ended, with training and planning beginning in early autumn. They will map out the entire year of training, and then fine-tune this when the following year’s route is confirmed. Like most competitive cyclists training for a summer race, pros will start building an endurance base over the winter. This will consist of a winter cycle training plan with emphasis on building a strong aerobic foundation.

As winter starts to wane, it’s time to increase the intensity. Tour de France coaches will start to include tempo and threshold workouts into their cyclists’ training plans in order to build up as much fitness as possible at the top level.

Finally, as the race approaches, the pros will switch to a race-specific programme so that they get to the start line in peak physical condition.

Alpe d'Huez

How to Train For a Mountain Stage

Mountain cycling requires aerobic efficiency and puts a constant load on slow-twitch muscle fibres. Cyclists preparing for a Mountain Stage will need to train for dealing with fatigue as the body will need to consistently supply the resources the muscles need to sustain the effort.

One of the main benefits of an indoor bike trainer, like the Wattbike Atom smart bike , is that you can train for tough climbs even if you live in a relatively flat area. Not only this, it’s ideal for those who want to hone their technique and improve at cycling climbs by using cycling data and feedback.

Looking to improve your climbing ability? Try 'The Climber' to simulate a mountain segment, or take on Stage 7 - La Planche des Belles Filles or Stage 12 - Alpe d'Huez in the Summer Sessions x The Tour category on the Wattbike Hub App .

How to Train For a Sprint Stage

Sprinters need to be able to work above their threshold and have explosive power for short bursts. The job of a sprinter is to get to the finish and still have the power and energy to win. To train for a Sprint Stage, you’ll need to work the energy systems needed to make this happen. There’s a heavy load on both slow and fast-twitch muscle fibres. This means you’ll need to be able to produce high power and deal with fatigue to improve your cycling sprinting .

Try "The Leadout Train' in the Summer Sessions x The Tour category on the Wattbike Hub app to simulate building up to short, intense efforts.

How to Train For a Time Trial Stage

In the Tour, a Time Trial Stage pits one cyclist against another in a raw battle of speed and power over a set distance. Individual time trial cyclists need to build immense power and be able to sustain it over the distance. It requires efficiency in pedal stroke, so you’ll need to practise this on an indoor bike trainer . This can give you pedalling technique feedback and analysis to help you improve your speed in a time trial .

Tune into the Tour coverage and test your physical ability with "The Time Trial' in the Summer Sessions x The Tour category on the Wattbike Hub app.

Make the Most of Wattbike Summer Sessions

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Also in Grand Tours

Your guide to the cycling grand tours.

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La Vuelta a España Training & Simulation

August 18, 2022 4 min read

Expert training tips for the La Vuelta Grand Tour. Simulate key stages at home with the Atom & Wattbike Hub. Push your peak.

Ride the 2022 Giro d'Italia from your Home

May 06, 2022 4 min read

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Team Car Ride: Tour de France Femmes Behind the Scenes (and Smart Trainers)

As part of the time trial stage, I was checking out all the sports tech goodness the women had on tap. If you remember from my previous post, I dove into the c ycling power meters and other pieces .

However, for time trial stages things are quite different. You’re looking at totally different bikes, and often different gear on them. Be it different bike computers, different mounts, sometimes different power meters, and of course, smart trainers.

Now, I’ll get into the smart trainers in a moment, but in the video above, I got a chance to join a team car from Team Human Powered Health. Meanwhile, my wife joined a team car from FDJ. Both of these rides were relatively short, given the stage was just 6KM long. But with the route and crowds packed for the women, it was still a blast.

Inside the car, as is the case for virtually every pro cycling team, you’ll find VeloViewer on the dashboard. This is the same company that makes the famed Strava integration for analysis and such. But when it comes to pro teams, the company does a ton of work to painstakingly ensure every single stage is precisely correct for not just big-name events like the Tour de France (men’s and women’s), but also a slate of races that most people don’t ever watch.

The map allows teams to mark upcoming items of note, as well as bits like sharp turns, areas of concern, and plenty more. Plus showing various distances and speed in real-time. And lastly, it has elevation profiles built-in, as well as the ability to switch to StreetView mode too. Here’s a shot from within the stage:

There’s a bit of an older post on VeloViewer’s site describing all the pieces to it, for those interested. In the case of my car ride, it was a relatively basic usage of it, since the stage length was short, the route repeated half a dozen times for each team, and frankly, not too much of concern on the route.

Meanwhile, I thought it was notable to see the live coverage from the local TV broadcaster shown as well within the TV in the team car.

When it comes to how much each rider gets assistance from the team car, it’ll vary by rider (and director). In this case, I’m specifically referring to instructions via their race radios they have (earpiece on the rider). For the ride my wife was following, that rider (Cecilie Ludwig of FDJ) specifically requested and prefers a lot of motivational encouragement, and as such, Lieselot Decroix (FDJ Co-Director of Performance and former pro cyclist and Olympian herself) more than gave it to her, as you can hear in the video (approx 12-min marker).

Whereas for the team car I was in with Human Powered Health, the rider (Daria Pikulik) didn’t generally need much instructions. Team Sports Director Clark Sheehan (who I was with) only gave her one little heads-up about a pothole on a turn, that’s it. Daria had just come off of a silver-medal performance less than 48-hours prior (and this was her 3rd-stage in that time period). So the goal here was a bit more around getting through the 6KM stage without drama, rather than trying to win something.

In any event, changing topics entirely, a quick run-down of the smart trainers I found floating around. I dive into this a bit more in the video, but here’s the totals:

The Totals: Garmin/Tacx Trainers: 7 Teams Elite Trainers: 9 Teams Magene Trainers: 1 Team Wahoo Trainers: 5 Teams

The surprise here was honestly the Magene trainer. I believe that’s the first time we’ve seen them on either side of the Tour de France.

And here’s the team breakouts:

UCI Women’s WorldTeams * AG Insurance–Soudal: Tacx NEO 3M * Canyon–SRAM: Elite Suito * Ceratizit–WNT Pro Cycling: Wahoo KICKR V6 * FDJ–Suez: Elite Justo 2 * Fenix–Deceuninck: Wahoo KICKR V6 * Human Powered Health: Wahoo KICKR V6 * Lidl–Trek: Wahoo KICKR V6 * Liv AlUla Jayco: Elite Justo 2 and Elite Suito * Movistar Team: Tacx NEO 2T * Roland Cycling: Elite Suito * Team dsm–firmenich PostNL: Elite Suito * Team SD Worx–Protime: Tacx NEO 3M * UAE Team ADQ: Elite Avanti * Visma–Lease a Bike – Tacx NEO 2T * Uno-X Mobility – Tacx NEO 2T and 3M UCI Women’s Continental Teams * Arkéa–B&B Hotels Women: Elite Suito * Cofidis: Elite Direto XR * EF–Oatly–Cannondale: Wahoo KICKR V6 * Laboral Kutxa–Fundación Euskadi: Magene T100 * Lotto–Dstny Ladies: Tacx NEO 2 * St. Michel–Mavic–Auber93: Elite Suito and Elitę Direto XR * Tashkent City Women Professional Cycling Team: Tacx Rollers

Phew, got all that? Good. In that case, definitely go watch the video – and of course, watch the final stage on Sunday going up Alpe d’Huez. Looking forward to it!

Thanks for reading (or watching!)

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Awesome video. I was able to do the same as an ordinary spectator (not ride in a team car) at the ITT in Garden of the Gods Colorado during USA Pro Cycling Challenge in 2011. Watched the likes of Cadel Evans, George Hincapie, Levi Leipheimer, the Schleck bros warm up from feet away and was able to chat up the mechanics in the pits. It was an amazing experience.

Is any of the VeloViewer data (potholes, upcoming sharp turns, etc.) pushed down to the rider’s bike computer? Does Garmin, Karoo, or Wahoo support any of it?

It is up to the team DS who adds the waymarkers for each race route to decide which of those should be included in the file transferred to the rider’s head unit. Usually only a handful of waymarkers are sent to the head unit otherwise there would be too much info on there. If there are no race radios then more information might be included on the head unit but that is a decision for each team/DS. I think most makes of head unit can display this information (Ray would know for sure!). They waymarker details are provided in the same way as cue sheet data in the files so if the device supports a cue sheet, it an show the chosen waymarkers.

Thanks for the info!

Nice write-up. I have never seen inside team car stuff like this. Interesting.

I no longer going to support companies in cycling that sponsor men’s pro racing but not women’s, starting with Wahoo.

Not sure I understand, Wahoo sponsors a ton of women’s teams (basically the same number as on the men’s side).

Also keep in mind, Wahoo has actually had to wrangle away some of those sponsorships from Tacx/Elite, who used to basically sponsor the entire pro peloton (both men’s and women’s). Those contracts often last 2-3 years.

Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. The industry is very much balanced atm

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Inside the anti-doping operation at the Tour de France

With the eyes of the world on the Tour each July, and the threat of doping still a hot topic, how is modern testing safeguarding the sport? Chris Marshall-Bell visited the anti-doping truck during the 2024 Tour de France

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Of the many thousands of vehicles at the Tour de France , the anti-doping truck is the most secretive, blocked off by high black fencing with a security guard permanently stationed outside. On the race’s first time trial, however, I’m waved through various checkpoints and allowed into the operations centre that is tasked with maintaining the integrity of cycling’s biggest event. Led up the steps of the long white truck, I’m shown into the first of two unremarkable, plain portable offices, featuring a desk, lots of anti-doping posters, and a bathroom with mirrors on all four sides.

On average, eight riders per stage are required to give a urine sample at the Tour (at the cost of just under €1,000 per test), including the stage winner and the yellow jersey, and they must follow a strict protocol: after a chaperone notifies them of their obligation to provide a sample and they’ve signed a disclaimer form, they then roll their bibshorts down to their knees and their jersey up to their chest, and urinate into a small plastic pot called the testing vessel, with a doping control officer (DCO) watching at all times to ensure that no third-party liquid is used instead. The urine is then poured into A and B vessels, and stored in a coolbox between 2°C and 8°C before being sent for analysis.

The 2024 Tour has passed off without any doping violations, and the sport appears to be light years away from the EPO and blood doping days of the 1990s and 2000s. But violations do still occur; EF Education-EasyPost terminated the contract of Andrea Piccolo just before the Tour after he was accused of importing human growth hormone into Italy. It was a timely reminder that the fight to ensure a clean Tour de France is a never-ending one.

The process

Test centres at Tour de France

Of course anti-doping tests and protocols don’t start and finish at the races. Athletes can be tested by their national anti-doping organisation, such as UK Anti-Doping in Britain, and also by their international federation. Since 2021, the UCI has delegated all its testing to the International Testing Agency (ITA), a body that is independent from international governing bodies. The ITA is responsible for all anti-doping tests at the Tour de France and other WorldTour races.

In deciding which athletes ought to be tested on any given day, DCOs assess the following risks: the athlete’s performance; the level of testing in their country; intelligence and information; and any discrepancies in their athlete biological passport (ABP) – a record of blood test results over a period of time. “All tests are targeted – there are no random tests,” Olivier Banuls, the ITA’s head of testing and cycling unit tells me in late May from the organisation’s Swiss offices on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Once an athlete has been identified, they must provide a sample – refusing to do so would class as a missed test; three incomplete tests would result in a ban. The sample is then sent to a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited lab for analysis; there are 30 such labs worldwide, but only one in France, in Paris. All samples have to be tested within 20 days and the result is uploaded to WADA’s anti-doping administration and management system (ADAMS), a programme that stores an athlete’s testing history and results. At the Tour, however, the ITA rushes through the analysis within 72 hours; it’s even faster at the Olympics, with a 48-hour turnaround.

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All samples are mandatorily tested for the same undisclosed performance-enhancing drugs, but additional substances can and are also tested. “We want to make sure that we are testing the athletes for the potential substances that they might take,” says Banuls. According to a WADA report reviewing testing in 2022, EPO was only tested for in the samples of 45% of cyclists, while human growth hormone and synthetically derived steroids such as testosterone were only tested 8.5% and 2.5% of the time, respectively. The ITA says that “testing for EPO is not mandatory and rather expensive, so it would be neither smart nor cost-effective to perform this analysis on all samples.”

Along with the urine samples collected in the anti-doping truck, around 400 blood samples are taken during the Tour, mostly in hotels and occasionally on team buses. All these must be analysed within 48 hours.

Evading testing

It’s not just in the race that a Tour de France cyclist will be tested, of course: out-of-competition tests are just as crucial. The ITA tells me that, on average, each of the circa 1,000 professional cyclists are tested four times a year away from racing; higher-profile riders are tested more often, particularly in the run-up to major events. Teams also have an obligation, as per UCI regulations, to inform authorities several months out where their riders are scheduled to be training and competing.

Athletes have to provide information about where they’ll be sleeping, travelling and training for every 24-hour period, and also state a daily one-hour daytime slot when a DCO can test them. Even then, a sample can be taken outside of this window, Banuls stresses. What happens if a rider doesn’t answer the door when it’s outside of the hour they propose? “It’s not a missed test but classed as a filing failure and an unsuccessful attempt,” Banuls says. “The DCO will report to the testing authority who will decide whether or not to prosecute this potential whereabouts failure.” So it’s hard to avoid testing? “It’s very difficult,” he says. “The ratio of unsuccessful attempts outside of competition in cycling is extremely low – we’re talking about 5%.”

A practice that is worrisome to authorities is micro-dosing: doping with very small and hard-to-detect amounts of banned substances. “We’re aware of this potential risk,” Banuls says. “We may not be able to identify that the athlete is micro-dosing with direct direction, but we could do via the variations of biological passport markers.” Authorities also keep a selection of samples rated as high importance for 10 years, allowing later re-analysis. “Today, we might not be able to detect [a micro-dosed] substance, but we might be able to in eight years,” Banuls explains.

The biggest threats facing anti-doping

CHALLENGES TO THE ABP : the athlete biological passport, introduced in 2008, is still considered an important tool. Indeed, in June Australian rider Rob Stannard was given a four-year ban, backdated to 2018, for abnormalities in his ABP. However, the ABP does not enjoy universal support: Spanish rider Ibai Salas was banned for six years in 2018 for ABP irregularities, but he had the ban overturned last year and has claimed a six-figure compensation sum when Spain’s highest court ruled that the ABP was not a valid method in determining a doping offence. The case puts a question mark on the ABP’s resilience.

CONTAMINATION CONCERNS: in March, British rider Lizzy Banks had her suspension lifted by Ukad after arguing that her positive for chlorthalidone and formoterol was caused by contamination. Visma-Lease a Bike’s Michel Hessmann was given a four-month suspension in June for low levels of chlorthalidone, but like in Banks’s case, the German anti-doping agency found that the result probably resulted from contaminated medicine.

ROXADUSTAT : used legitimately for those with anaemia, it can boost the production of the body’s red blood cells. It’s been likened as similar in effect to EPO. Tennis player Simona Halep received a four-year suspension for roxadustat in 2022, but had it cut to nine months after proving a contaminated supplement. used legitimately for those with anaemia, it can boost the production of the body’s red blood cells. It’s been likened as similar in effect to EPO. Tennis player Simona Halep received a four-year suspension for roxadustat in 2022, but had it cut to nine months after proving a contaminated supplement.

TAPENTADOL: an opiate-based painkiller described as “10 times” stronger than the now- banned tramadol, the UCI has asked WADA to add the substance to its monitoring programme with a view to eventually banning it.

GENE/CELL DOPING: the manipulation of genes, using gene or cell transfer, to alter their expression and function to enhance athlete performance. “It’s considered by WADA as a potential risk and threat so therefore we take it very seriously,” Banuls says. There has never been a confi rmed case.

A clean tour?

It might surprise you to know that the UCI is unable to intervene at any point in this process. “The ITA is absolutely independent and fully autonomous, with no space for interference,” Banuls states. “We collect samples on the UCI’s behalf, send them to labs, and the results are reported into ADAMS by obligation. Once it’s in ADAMS there is no way of hiding anything.”

So are the performances we have enjoyed watching at the Tour de France trustworthy? Will the results stand the test of time? Banuls refuses to answer directly, pointing only to an increase of 35% in the ITA’s budget in the past two years. “What people can trust are the eff orts taken by the ITA, UCI and all stakeholders to protect the sport,” he says. “We tested 15,200 samples in 2023, which is a huge number, and 10% more than 2022, and our intelligence and investigations team has doubled.”

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A freelance sports journalist and podcaster, you'll mostly find Chris's byline attached to news scoops, profile interviews and long reads across a variety of different publications. He has been writing regularly for Cycling Weekly since 2013. In 2024 he released a seven-part podcast documentary, Ghost in the Machine , about motor doping in cycling.

Previously a ski, hiking and cycling guide in the Canadian Rockies and Spanish Pyrenees, he almost certainly holds the record for the most number of interviews conducted from snowy mountains. He lives in Valencia, Spain.

David Lappartient, the UCI's president, said that the "common goal was to ensure safer cycling"

By Adam Becket Published 28 September 24

The fighting talk begins as the big favourites square up for today's Worlds road race

By James Shrubsall Published 28 September 24

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