The 2026 Tour de France is underway, and the pros are saddling up with some of the most advanced and personalized saddles ever. From 3D-printed technology to innovative cutouts, these saddles are designed to keep riders comfortable and fast over the 3,000km course.
One of the most notable saddles is the 3D-printed Fizik Adaptive line, which is used by Tadej Pogacar and the UAE Team Emirates. This saddle is made with technology from Carbon, a US company that has also worked with Specialized, Selle Italia, Prologo, and Selle San Marco. The Adaptive padding is created through a process known as Digital Light Synthesis, which uses digital ultraviolet light projection, oxygen-permeable optics, and programmable liquid resins to create comfortable, supportive, and incredibly resilient saddle padding.
Another notable saddle is the Specialized S-Works Romin Evo with Mirror, which is used by Soudal Quick-Step. This saddle features 3D-printed padding with 22,200 struts and 10,700 nodes, and has been shown to reduce sit bone pressure by up to 26%.
Selle Italia is also using 3D-printed technology with its SLR Boost 3D saddle, which features a lattice structure with various cushioning zones designed to absorb shock and distribute pressure. The lightest version of the SLR 3D Carbon comes in at a claimed 137g, which is pretty darn feathery.
While most riders stick with their team's official sponsor, there are still some who mix things up. For example, Mathieu van der Poel uses the classic Selle Italia Flite saddle, which has been in the range since 1990. The Flite has been updated over the years, but it's still a classic.
In terms of materials, the pros prefer a stiff saddle with often quite minimal and firm padding, with carbon rails and shells. Most riders also ride short-nosed saddles, but even these come in varying lengths ranging usually from about 240mm to 250mm in length.
Overall, the 2026 Tour de France is showcasing some of the most advanced and personalized saddles ever, with a focus on comfort, weight, and aerodynamics. While these saddles may be expensive, they are designed to help riders perform at their best over the 3,000km course.
