Paris-Roubaix Femmes tech gallery: New gravel wheels, crazy bar tape jobs, and sponsor incorrect tyres

The sixth edition of Paris-Roubaix Femmes showcased a fascinating array of technical innovations and personalised touches across the women’s peloton. Covering 143km with nearly 34km of cobbled sectors, the race provided a challenging backdrop for teams to experiment with equipment tailored to the unique demands of the iconic event. The start paddock atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, with riders and fans mingling under bright morning sunshine, while teams prepared their bikes with a variety of setups reflecting their strategic choices. Among the standout technical features were new gravel wheels and unconventional tyre selections, including some riders opting for gravel-specific tyres and dual-headed tyre systems. Teams such as UAE Team ADQ favoured the Colnago V5RS frames paired with 35mm Continental GP5000 S TR tyres and Enve SES 4.5 wheels, balancing durability and comfort. Other squads, like Mayenne Monbana My Pie, chose Winspace SLC 5.0 machines equipped with 32mm Hutchinson Blackbird All-Season tyres, highlighting the diversity of approaches to handling the cobbles. Notably, many riders had taped their handlebar tops for added comfort, a practical adaptation given the rough terrain. Personalisation was a prominent theme, with riders adding unique stem notes and creative bar tape jobs, including full taping of STI shifter hoods to enhance grip and cushioning. Alison Jackson’s bike attracted attention not only for its custom Canadian paint scheme but also for the quirky addition of a Bluetooth speaker mounted in the bottle cage. The presence of aftermarket components, such as the French Nova Ride CCD EVO S derailleur pulleys on Factor Monzas, further illustrated the growing trend of fine-tuning race bikes with specialised parts to gain marginal advantages. Several teams showcased high-end equipment reflecting their sponsors and technical partnerships. Cofidis debuted the limited edition Look 795 Blade RS Ciel Du Nord, featuring Campagnolo Super Record Ultra Titanium components and Vittoria Corsa Control tyres, underscoring the premium nature of the race setup. Meanwhile, the return of Mavic wheels with Michelin tyres on St Michel – Mavic – Michelin bikes was a welcome sight, blending heritage brands with modern performance. These choices signal ongoing innovation and investment in women’s racing technology, with teams keen to optimise every element for the punishing conditions of Paris-Roubaix Femmes. Looking ahead, the technical experimentation seen at this year’s race may influence future equipment trends in women’s cycling, particularly as the sport continues to grow in profile and professionalism. The variety of wheel and tyre combinations, alongside personalised comfort modifications, suggests that teams are increasingly willing to explore unconventional setups to gain an edge. As Paris-Roubaix Femmes cements its status as a marquee event, the spotlight on technical innovation will likely intensify, driving further advancements tailored to the unique challenges of cobbled classics.