The Tour de France peloton is a showcase for the latest equipment from a host of manufacturers.

A shop window nonpareil, the sponsors of WorldTour teams are keen to demonstrate their highest level offerings in cycling’s biggest race.

But as these shots from the stage 11 départ from Albertville show, rider preference plays an important role, whether it be for mechanical shifting, third-party oval chain rings, or personalized saddles.

Here’s a selection from the steeds of Brajkovic, Hoogerland, Nibali, Scarponi, and Vinokourov.

Jani Brajkovic is among a host of riders, Bradley Wiggins among them,  to use O-symetric’s ovalised chainrings

Mechanical shifting for Johnny Hoogerland, whose Dura Ace rear mech shifts a KMC gold chain driven by an FSA K-Force chainset

Michele Scarponi’s bike was equipped with  a lightweight Fulcrum Racing Light XLR low profile carbon wheelset for the mountains ahead

A saddle bearing the flag of Kazakhstan? The property of Mr A Vinokourov, naturally

 Circular chain rings for Vincenzo Nibali, driven by Cannondale SL crank arms fitted with an SRM power meter