Overview
- The UCI set up dedicated inspection tents and required riders to present about ten minutes before the 21 km time trial, a measure first used at the stage that concluded in Dijon to check for padded or altered sports bras.
- Teams and the Dutch site Wielerflits had reported sightings of artificial chest padding at past events, prompting the stricter controls and calls from several WorldTeams for uniform enforcement.
- Aerodynamics researchers estimate chest‑shape alteration can cut drag and yield measurable time gains of several seconds over 20–30 km, a margin that can affect general classification standings.
- Images and accounts of the on‑site checks drew strong criticism because a male official appeared to take part in examinations that teams had asked be handled by female commissaires in private tents.
- No confirmed sanctions or proven cases have been announced so far and the race has continued on course with Marlen Reusser winning the time trial and taking the yellow jersey.