Race1 wrote:
This was different tactics for Charles-Barclay.
She didn't smash the bike and then and hold on for the run, she rode "relatively" conservatively and then smashed the run.
Will this be her tactic in Kona to beat Ryf?
Yes, I thought that as well. Her magnificent swim is both an asset and a curse. Leading out of the swim and staying out in front all day is a tough tough way to win a stacked race like Kona. Can’t recall the last gun to tape Kona winner, male or female. Anyone know?
But that swim has made that tactic almost inevitable.
She could emerge front pack on the swim (or work with Brandon) after a relatively easy cruise, then soft tap the early bike until the bikers join her to be worked with. The day could be 90mins+ old before she’s burnt a match.
Arguably that’s a better position for the win than being 4 minutes up the road with another 6-7 hours racing solo to get the win.
She looked great on the run at IMSA.
Well worth trying a different approach, interesting!