WATCH: Unreleased bikes our video team spotted at Tour de France warm-up race

The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, formerly known as the Critérium du Dauphiné, continues to serve as a crucial preparatory event ahead of the Tour de France, not only for riders but also for teams testing new equipment. At this year's race, several unreleased bikes were spotted by eMotoX Sports’ video team, offering a glimpse into the next generation of road racing technology. These prototypes and updated models are being trialled in real race conditions, providing valuable data and feedback before their official launches. Among the most notable machines is an updated Van Rysel RCR Pro, ridden by 19-year-old Paul Seixas as he prepares for his Tour de France debut with Decathlon CMA CGM. The bike features aerodynamic enhancements on key frame areas such as the downtube, forks, and headtube, aiming to boost speed without compromising the all-rounder versatility the model is known for. This update reflects a trend towards integrating aerodynamic efficiency into lightweight race bikes, a balance that teams are keen to optimise for the varied demands of grand tours. Specialized’s so-called ‘Project Black’ Tarmac SL9 prototype was also seen, continuing to generate interest since its initial reveal on a team car roof at a previous training camp. This new iteration emphasises aerodynamic efficiency with redesigned forks, seat tube, and seatpost aimed at reducing drag and saving watts. Specialized confirmed that the bike is part of an ongoing development process involving professional rider feedback, with the potential for these innovations to feature in future retail models. Another intriguing sighting was a prototype Ridley climbing bike with Uno-X Mobility, marking the team’s transition to WorldTour status. This lightweight machine, possibly a new Falcon RS or an entirely new climbing model, displays shallow tube profiles and increased tyre clearance, suggesting a focus on mountainous terrain. Equipped with SRAM Red AXS, the bike’s design contrasts with the Ridley Noah Fast 3 currently used by the team, indicating a strategic shift towards specialised climbing performance. Finally, French ProTeam TotalEnergies showcased a new Cube Litening Aero C:68X, an aero bike update expected for 2027. The model features a deeper head tube, angular seat tube reminiscent of the Colnago Y1Rs, and increased clearance for wider tyres up to 34mm. Still in prototype form, this bike represents Cube’s effort to modernise its aero offerings and is anticipated to appear in the Tour de France peloton next month. Collectively, these developments highlight how teams are leveraging pre-Tour races to refine cutting-edge technology in pursuit of marginal gains.