Bike utilized by Tadej Pogačar in his victory at Tour de France Stage 13 lacked paint, handlebar covering, and water bottles.
In the recent mountain time trial stage of the 2025 Tour de France, UAE Team Emirates-XRG made a strategic decision that could have saved them approximately 280g by opting for a minimal paint job on their Colnago Y1Rs. However, this weight reduction didn't directly account for Tadej Pogacar's 34-second lead over second-place Jonas Vingegaard.
Pogacar, the race's reigning champion, opted for the middle ground, choosing the Colnago Y1RS. While this bike offers advanced aerodynamic features and a lightweight carbon construction, it is 400g heavier than the V5RS. To compensate, Pogacar needed to put the Y1RS on a diet.
Manufacturers generally underquote their estimates of paint weight. Removing excess paint from the frame can shed up to 300g, while a minimal paint job can save around 20g. In the case of the Y1RS, the minimal paint job brought it closer to the V5RS in terms of weight.
Despite this, the weight reduction didn't significantly impact Pogacar's performance. At average race speeds of 26km/h, weight trumps aerodynamics, but as speeds increase, aerodynamics start to edge ahead. Pogacar's victory in the mountain time trial was more likely due to his superior aerodynamic position and the bike's advanced aerodynamic design.
The mountain TT saw lightweight climbing rigs, Frankenstein TT conversions, and helmet and skinsuit experimentation. Remco Evenepoel gambled on the aero credentials of his Specialized Shiv paired with shallow wheels. The Shiv's relatively low weight makes calculations easier compared to the heavier UAE Team Emirates-XRG's Colnago TT1.
The Tour de France mountain time trial posed questions for equipment directors about the best bike to use. While weight savings from paint removal are possible, they are relatively small compared to the total frame weight and the gains from aerodynamic design.
In conclusion, while removing excess paint from a professional cycling frame like the Colnago Y1RS can save weight, this is a minor factor compared to aerodynamic gains and structural design optimizations that define its performance advantage. Pogacar's victory in the mountain time trial was a testament to his skill, the bike's aerodynamic design, and the strategic decisions made by the team.
Summary:
| Aspect | Approximate Weight Saving from Paint Removal | |----------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Typical excess paint weight | ~20–30 grams | | Total frame weight | ~700–800 grams | | Percentage saving | Around 2-4% of frame weight |
- In the midst of their strategic decisions, UAE Team Emirates-XRG managed to save approximately 20g on their Colnago Y1RS by opting for a minimal paint job, a relatively small contribution to the total frame weight.
- Despite the weight reduction from a minimal paint job, the advanced aerodynamic design and aerodynamic position of Tadej Pogacar's Colnago Y1RS were more likely the key factors contributing to his victory in the mountain time trial of the Tour de France.
