During the Tour de France, some riders have been seen with adhesive strips across their noses. These are not fashion statements but medical devices called nasal dilators or nasal strips.
According to sports medicine experts, the strips work by physically pulling open the nostrils, which reduces airway resistance. This can help athletes breathe more efficiently, especially during high-intensity efforts where oxygen demand is high.
While the practice is not new—nasal strips have been used in various sports for decades—their appearance in the Tour de France has sparked curiosity. The strips are particularly useful for riders who have a deviated septum or naturally narrow nasal passages.
There is no evidence that nasal strips provide a significant performance advantage for all riders. However, for those who use them, the subjective feeling of easier breathing can be beneficial during long, grueling stages.
