Aero Bikes Dominate the 2025 Tour de France
In a year dominated by Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, the 2025 Tour de France saw an unprecedented dominance by aero bikes in the peloton. Both the winner and the runner-up, Pogačar and Vingegaard respectively, chose to ride aero bikes throughout the entire race, with Pogačar opting for the Colnago Y1Rs and Vingegaard using the Cervélo S5.
Why the Preference for Aero Bikes?
Despite having lightweight bikes available, professional cyclists are opting for aero bikes, even in mountainous stages. The question is, why are they doing so? The answer lies in the aerodynamic benefits that aero bikes provide, particularly at high speeds.
Power and Speed Calculations
According to Colnago, their Y1Rs model requires 20 fewer watts to maintain a speed of 50kph compared to their V4Rs model. However, when we ran a power and speed calculator, we found that the difference in power required between a lightweight bike setup and an aero bike is relatively small, around two watts.
Fast Racing Conditions
However, when we looked at the stages of the 2025 Tour de France, we noticed that the majority of the racing took place at high speeds, particularly in the mountains. For example, stage 18 from Vif to Courchevel had an average speed of 33.87kph, with the winner, Ben O’Connor, averaging 22.5kph up the Col de La Loze.
Aerodynamics vs. Weight
In fast racing conditions, aerodynamic performance becomes more important than weight. While a lightweight bike may be faster on an isolated climb, professional bike racing is about speed, and the aero bike provides a significant advantage in windy conditions.
Why the UCI Weight Limit Doesn’t Matter
The UCI weight limit of 6.8kg is still a significant barrier for many bike manufacturers. However, with modern aero bikes, it is becoming increasingly difficult to justify building a lightweight climbing bike.
As bike racing continues to get faster, the days of the dedicated climbing bike are over. Professional cyclists will continue to prioritize aero bikes, even in mountainous stages, as they provide a significant advantage in fast racing conditions.
In conclusion, the dominance of aero bikes in the 2025 Tour de France is a testament to their aerodynamic benefits. While weight may still be a consideration, it is no longer the primary factor in professional bike racing. As bike racing continues to get faster, the aero bike will continue to be the bike of choice for professional cyclists.