Alex Howes took stage 1 of the 2016 Tour de France by storm with a breakaway effort that saw him reeled in only in the last five kilometers. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
Alex Howes took stage 1 of the 2016 Tour de France by storm with a breakaway effort that saw him reeled in only in the last five kilometers. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
Howes was off the front for most of the 188-kilometer stage that ended at Utah Beach. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
Howes uses a CeramicSpeed pulley set on his rear derailleur, which helps him save crucial watts during long efforts like his big ride on Stage 1. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The relatively flat stage 1 parcours meant an 11-25 cassette for Howes. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
That weird stick under Howes’ saddle is actually a transmitter that Dimension Data uses to track rider information, including speed and even the rider’s location on the course. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
It’s good to know where your opportunities lie. Like many riders, Howes keeps track of key climbs and other important parts of the course with a piece of paper taped to his stem. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
Video is everything these days, even for the riders. Howes has a new handlebar GoPro mount just below his Garmin, waiting to be filled before stage 2. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
Here’s a closer look at the clamp on the new GoPro mount. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
Braking on carbon rims in the rain is never much fun. Will we ever see disc brakes in the pro peloton again? Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
Everyone has their eyes peeled for any sign of the new Shimano Dura-Ace components. After talking with multiple teams, it seems unlikely anyone will be testing the new group during the 2016 Tour de France, though we may see individual components show up before all is said and done in Paris. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
Hydration matters, even when it’s raining. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
Howes ran a 53/38 chainring combo up front during stage 2, giving him a wide range of options for the relatively flat course. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
“Just wanted to do something for those who fought,” Howes said of the Utah Beach finish. “A lot of nice people had to die here.” Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
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