Next week will mark the start of the Tour, where 176 riders will test disc brake bikes. In recent years, almost no manufacturers have bet their reputation on traditional braking systems, especially at the highest level. Riders and teams have embraced disc brakes to descend safer and faster, prompting a global network of downhill specialists, sports scientists, and performance psychologists to support athletes as speeds climb and nerves sharpen.
It is no surprise that current contenders, including a favorite for the Tour title like Primoz Roglic, are refining braking techniques, body positions, and cornering with input from downhill experts. The sport has seen renowned specialists such as Oscar Saiz come forward to advise riders like Thibaut Pinot and Movistar leader Annemiek van Vleuten, guiding them through the nuances of high-speed descents.
@KennyElissonde done!
@KennyElissonde jogging! #Dauphin
— Criterium du Dauphine
Everything has shifted in recent seasons, according to José Antonio Hermida, a legendary figure in mountain biking. The pros now apply far greater braking pressure on steep descents that previously relied on conventional brakes. Hermida, a silver medalist at the Athens Games and a four-time world champion, emphasizes that the braking approach has evolved to maximize control and speed.
Brake strategy has changed the way descents are ridden. The Tour and Giro now feature faster, more dynamic downhill sections. As Hermida explains, disc brakes bring safety by allowing riders to enter corners more aggressively and brake at the final moment without the bike needing extra meters for reaction. The control is immediate, and the rider can react with precision as needed.
With Wet Conditions, a New World
When surfaces are slick, the performance gap becomes even more evident. Hermida notes that rain no longer forces riders to stretch out the braking distance as much as before. This change is part of a broader shift in technology and technique that affects every descent and every corner on the route.
Another technical detail that matters in the upcoming Tour is the wider wheels used by all professional cyclists. The larger contact patch improves grip during braking, enhancing safety while also enabling riders to maintain higher speeds on descents.
The evolution extends to the mechanics’ workshop. While disc brakes may require different maintenance, pit crews can manage tires and wheels without swapping brake shoes after every stage. Mechanical teams no longer replace worn pads daily on every high mountain stage. If a disc is damaged by impact, it can be managed without forcing a total withdrawal and affecting the general classification. When pads are changed, the priority remains safety over everything else, according to Hermida and his contemporaries.
Brakes and Cars: A Helpful Analogy
For readers seeking a simple comparison, bicycle brakes with discs operate much like those on cars. Some discs lock in place when the brake is applied, and certain pads press against the rotor to slow the bike. The shift to disc braking has led teams to partner with downhill mountain biking specialists at strategic points in the season, integrating expert insight into rider development and race-day strategy.
In the current landscape, teams are assembling rosters that include downhill specialists or assign riders a specific role at different times of the season. The result is a more nuanced and adaptive approach to racing, with disc brakes serving as a catalyst for new training, setup, and race execution strategies.
As the Tour looms, the combination of advanced braking systems, wider wheels, and refined mechanical support creates a markedly different riding environment. Riders who once relied on more conservative braking now practice aggressive, precise control on fast technical descents that demand constant attention and split-second decisions. The race is not just about power but about how gracefully and safely speed can be managed on often treacherous terrain.
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