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Race tech: Team mechanics at Tour Down Under

published 25 January 2013

Behind the scenes gallery with unsung heroes of pro cycling

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Because this jig locates off the front and rear axles, it can be used on the workstand and doesn't require flat ground.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Astana's mechanics not only have bikes to prep but race radios to hand out, too.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Carbon dropouts supplied by Scott are the exact same as what's used on Orica-Greenedge team bikes so if it fits here, it'll fit there, too.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Race radios are supplied by the race organizer to each team.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Team mechanics can't always follow the team so riders are usually equipped with kits in the event of a puncture.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

RadioShack-Leopard's tubular repair kit.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Like many teams, Sky supplies its riders with a spare tubular and pump stuffed into a cut-off water bottle for training rides.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

This Cannondale rider instead uses a fully enclosed container specifically made for the task.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

This Euskaltel-Euskadi Orbea Orca is conveniently sized such that a full-length frame pump will fit.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Another homemade open-topped repair kit.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

This Sky mechanic's toolbox is impressively neat and tidy.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Note the toe straps attached the handle of this tool box. While they're almost never used for pedals these days, they're awfully handy.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

This truing stand doesn’t look like much but it can be securely clamped to tables and works well for road wheels.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Orica-GreenEdge mechanic Craig Geater pre-adjusts quick-release skewers on spare wheels to help ensure a fast change.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Number plate installation is practically an art in these circles. The ones used at Tour Down Under are particularly thick and sturdy, meaning they're also harder to cut and shape.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Rented minivans and roof racks required the use of stepladders to retrieve bikes before the start of the stage.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Team mechanics carry their wares in a wide range of containers. Some use a soft-sided case like this.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

A big part of the bike mechanics' duties is washing bikes. Wash, rinse, polish, repeat.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Hard cases provide the most protection - and they can be locked for security - but they're also heavy.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

This lightweight setup includes just the bare essentials.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Mechanics frequently store tubular glue in big bottles with homemade resealable nozzles.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

The bottle in the middle has solvent to keep glue brushes from hardening in between tire installations.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

We saw more than one steerer tube being cut before the start of the Tour Down Under.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

This aluminum sizing jig is impressively portable as compared to some others we've seen.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Quick-release clamps allow this sizing jig to both assemble and disassemble in minutes.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Saddle setbacks aren't measured off the nose of the saddle. Instead, they're referenced from where the saddle is a particular width.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

Likewise, this repair stand won't draw many eyeballs but it's simple and durable.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)

This article originally published on BikeRadar

Team mechanics are the unsung heroes of the cycling world, performing their arduous and numerous tasks quietly and with little fanfare – in fact, they're usually only noticed if things go wrong…

Cyclingnews has been at the 2013 Tour Down Under in Adelaide, Australia, this week, and as well as shooting a massive tech gallery we've taken a peek behind the scenes at some of the bits and pieces the race mechanics use to make sure the pros can concentrate on riding.

Just click on the image gallery on the right and scroll through.