TdF Amateur Hour
Today’s TdF Stage was fun to watch although perhaps less fun to ride as the riders tackled several Roubaix-like cobbled sections. Rather them than me.
With those conditions underfoot, punctures are likely and as is the real chance of a mechanical or electronic breakdown. And that’s what happened to Jumbo Visma today.
The image above must surely be a classic. Bikes down, 4 riders going nowhere, one rider crossing the road, a team car full of bikes, a team mechanic carrying a spare bike on tip-toes. What possibly could have gone wrong to cause this? (Answer in the video below).
TL;DR: A possible gearing failure required a bike change by Jonas Vingegaard. the first bike change was for a bike of the wrong size and so was the second. Luckily the car stopped.
It’s easy to lightheartedly criticise and yes I have taken 15 minutes to change a puncture.
UK readers of a certain age will appreciate the humour of the soundtrack to this video of the incident on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1544697494680002560
https://youtu.be/y6ZJR-D1bY0
Last Updated on 26 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. Run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — The small adapter that keeps your charging cables tidy. Essential for race day. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
- Ravemen FR300 — Front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters. I use one.
- Body Glide – The blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — The race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mixes engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — A radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch. I use this model.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — The power-meter pedals most serious cyclists choose. Accurate, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
- Garmin Forerunner 970 — A serious choice for a pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Polar H10 — My daily driver for accurate, waking HRV readings.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 — The bike computer that has the feature Garmin lacks: usability. I use mine on most rides.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
the first Bike change was 2 minute before the Video started, they changed the bike because no Team Car was available but the Bike was to big for the rider who used the bike, so in the video is the back change of the bike
yes! I watched it live, it’s still fun to watch back