Gallery
Neutral Service TDF21-108
While I miss the bright yellow of the Mavic service vehicles, I would much rather ride Shimano components. My first race bike, way back in the 70s had Simplex and Mavic parts, and the Shimano groupset I have now is so much better. Unfortunately for Estaban Chaves (BikeExchange) he had a flat tire and the base of the final climb of the day, the Col du Portet. Never a good time to have a mechanical, but it was even worse with his team car so far down the road. That is the point of having neutral service. They ride behind each group on the road (until there are just too many groups) ready to lend support to whomever may need it. It was a quick change and Chaves was able to catch back onto the splintering peloton further up the climb.