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The service course is where the quiet, relentless work of race preparation unfolds. Long before the riders clip in, and long after the crowds drift home, Thomas Damuseau and his fellow DECATHLON AG2R LA MONDIALE mechanics are deep in the rhythm of cleaning, building, checking, and refining – because when precision matters most, and every small detail has the potential to shape a result.
What does a typical day in the service course look like before a race like the Tour de France?
“Preparation always starts with stock. Before anything else, we need to be certain we have the right Muc-Off products available in the quantities the race demands. That means forecasting orders weeks ahead, aligning with the race calendar, and anticipating the needs of each stage. Once the shelves are fully loaded, the mechanics sit down with the Innovation Department and the team’s engineers to review the setups planned for the race. Only then does the hands-on work begin. Bikes are serviced, hardware is inspected, and new parts are fitted and tested. Everything happens at the Performance Centre, where the final touches are completed before the equipment travels to the start line. The goal is to arrive at the hotel the night before with bikes that are already race-ready. Riders should be able to get straight out for their recon training without a single hesitation.”
How do Muc-Off products fit into your regular cleaning and maintenance routine?
“With a fleet of bikes, spare bikes, and training bikes constantly rotating through the wash bay, having a clear, unified process is essential. We select the exact products that match our performance requirements. Once that list is set, every mechanic follows the same procedure — step by step — to return each bike to perfect condition. After every stage and every training session, bikes are washed in the evening. The routine is meticulous: degreasing, washing, protecting, drying, and re-lubricating. Weather plays a major role, and the team meteorologist feeds updates directly to the mechanics. If rain is expected, adjustments are made. If dust is forecast, the protocol changes again. Broadly, the maintenance workflow relies on three categories of Muc-Off products: Protective products applied beforehand to prolong component lifespan and prevent corrosion; Ludicrous Lube used during racing for peak chain efficiency, and restorative products after each stage to bring drivetrains back to optimal condition. It’s a routine built for performance and durability, and every mechanic knows it by heart.”
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced this season?
“The hardest part is keeping up with constant evolution. With WorldTour racing throwing everything from cobbles to rainstorms at the equipment, adaptability becomes a daily requirement. Each type of race has different demands. A time trial, a dusty classic, a mountain stage — they all require a specific approach. Our job is to fine-tune preparation for every condition, and that’s where high-performance maintenance products are invaluable. Durability is a major focus too. We’re not just chasing speed. We’re protecting equipment over an entire season. Corrosion, friction, long-term wear — these are the battles we’re fighting every day.”
How do you ensure consistency and reliability across multiple bikes, riders, and stages?
“Even with the chaos of a three-week Grand Tour, consistency is non-negotiable. Every bike gets the same level of attention, whether it’s the race bike or a spare on the roof of the car, each one is washed and serviced daily using Muc-Off’s wide range of products, which have been approved by our Performance and Innovation Department. This uniformity means that riders can swap bikes mid-race with complete confidence — knowing the feel, efficiency, and setup will match exactly. It’s part of our operational standards; we want every rider to benefit from the same optimised performance at every moment of the race.”
What’s your favourite ‘unsung hero’ product from the Muc-Off range?
“The Drivetrain Cleaner. It’s incredibly effective — fast, powerful, and essential for achieving a perfect finish. It saves a lot of time because we don’t need multiple washes to get the drivetrain spotless. For the mechanics, degreasing products are foundational. If you want a flawless bike and maximum efficiency, you start with a clean drivetrain. This product is the foundation of our performance approach.”
