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In the past, time trials were considered a test of individual ability and accuracy, devoid of strategy. However, is this perception still accurate?
Time trials have long been regarded as the ultimate test of a cyclist’s capabilities, with the term “race of truth” emphasizing the solitary nature of the challenge where there is no room for tactical maneuvers to compensate for lack of power, unlike in group races.
While the notion that it’s a one-on-one battle against the clock persists, the landscape of time trialing has evolved significantly in the modern era of cycling. Time trials, especially at the elite level, have transformed into a technological battleground where riders and teams seek innovative ways to gain a competitive edge.
A stark comparison between the time trial setup and riding position of four-time World TT champion Fabian Cancellara in 2009 and current TT world champion Remco Evenepoel clearly illustrates how far time trialing has progressed in the past decade. Cancellara’s traditional long and low posture left room for aerodynamic inefficiencies, a flaw that modern setups like Evenepoel’s have addressed by adopting a more streamlined position that minimizes drag.
Revolutionizing Riding Positions
Traditionally, a long and low stance was favored for optimizing a rider’s posture on a TT bike. However, as teams delved into scientific methods like wind tunnel testing to refine rider positions, it became evident that the conventional approach was not ideal.
The introduction of a raised forearm position has emerged as a novel technique that functions like a spearhead, effectively cutting through the air and eliminating the drag-inducing gap between a rider’s torso and legs. While a diagonally raised arm position may seem slower in isolation, when integrated into the overall system, it significantly boosts the rider’s aerodynamic efficiency.
Beyond just minimizing aerodynamic drag through body positioning, time trial specialists and top-tier teams are exploring custom molded TT extensions, which can reduce drag by 10-16 watts, as indicated by FastTT.
In the context of this year’s Tour de France stage 7 TT, Remco Evenepoel navigated the 25.2km course at an impressive average speed of 52.4km/h. Assuming an aerodynamic drag coefficient (CdA) of 0.17m2, Evenepoel would have needed to exert an estimated power of 410 watts (6.72w/kg). Without his custom TT extensions, his finishing time could have been delayed by 19 to 30 seconds, jeopardizing a potential stage victory.
This adjustment alone could have placed Remco approximately 18 seconds behind Pogačar and marginally ahead of Primož Roglič by only four seconds. However, the drawback of custom molded aero extensions lies in their substantial cost, making them a luxury reserved for well-funded teams and specialized riders like Evenepoel, rather than a feasible option for all professional cyclists.
The price tag for a custom molded TT cockpit can soar above $7,000 USD. With Evenepoel outfitting both his main and backup TT bikes with these extensions, it underscores the significant financial investment required. While top performers like Evenepoel enjoy these advantages, many riders in the peloton do not have the same resources at their disposal.
This dilemma extends to wind tunnel testing, where securing time for aerodynamic refinement can be challenging and exorbitant, unless one benefits from a sponsor like Specialized, offering access to their “Win Tunnel.” For riders not contending for general classification or TT stage wins, justifying the expenses to maximize performance gains through bike fit adjustments becomes a precarious decision.
It is plausible that riders who have not fine-tuned their body position and bike setup in a wind tunnel could potentially unlock a 10-watt saving.
Potential bike setup enhancement: 20-26 watts
Bespoke Attire for Speed
Among the key advancements in time trial equipment is the tailored clothing worn by cyclists. Given that the rider accounts for approximately 80 percent of the total aerodynamic drag in the system, optimizing the body’s aerodynamics is crucial. A customized skinsuit that conforms precisely to the rider’s body shape in the TT position stands out as the most effective solution.
Eliminating fabric bunching and creases results in a sleek surface for air flow, especially when paired with the latest aerodynamic fabrics. The disparity between a standard skinsuit and a custom-made version can be substantial, as evidenced by Rule28’s wind tunnel tests during their release.A comparison was made between the Neo Suit and the 2021 TT suit, showing that the Neo suit provided a 12.4-watt aero saving over the 2021 TT suit, which is a significant difference even without considering tailoring. The difference in performance between the best custom-fitted skinsuits and the poorest performing ones could be over 20 watts, resulting in a time difference of 38 seconds for Evenepoel during the stage 7 TT.
In an interesting finding from wind tunnel testing, it was discovered that Evenepoel’s arms are more aerodynamic when exposed rather than covered by the latest aero-optimized fabrics.
When it comes to drivetrain optimization, there is a trend towards investing in drivetrain efficiency. Teams are focusing on details like drivetrain lubrication and using monster chainrings in time trials to enhance efficiency. Utilizing products like Silca’s Secret Chain Blend can offer up to a 6-8 watt saving over traditional oil-based chain lubricants. Optimizing the chain line with monster chainrings can significantly improve drivetrain efficiency by ensuring a straight chain line, ultimately impacting performance by a few seconds.
In the realm of time trial-specific helmets, brands like Giro and Rudy Project have introduced unconventional designs to enhance aerodynamics. These advanced helmets have been proven to offer substantial watt savings, such as 10 watts on average for Giro helmets compared to their older models. The enhanced aerodynamics of these helmets can translate to saving seconds or even minutes during a time trial.
When considering these aspects collectively, a rider with a less optimized setup could face an aero drag disadvantage of up to 66 watts, which could result in a significant time difference over a TT course. Despite the importance of these optimizations, not all riders and teams allocate resources equally due to cost considerations and the limited frequency of time trials in many stage races.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that these comparisons are not just between elite setups and amateur configurations but rather between high-performance setups with varying degrees of refinement. The meticulous attention to detail in equipment choices and setup optimization can have a substantial impact on a rider’s time trial performance in professional cycling.
