Just returned from watching the ITU world race in Salford, UK. Great day. Before that I was supporting a friend in the age group race. At the bike turn-around near transition (a 4 lap circuit, very technical), athletes had to go round a fairly tight roundabout. As I watched I was amazed at the number that went round with their inside leg at the lowest position. How can this be? I pointed this out to my girlfriend, and we agreed that so many had been close. Then BANG. Some guy was on the floor, nearly taking out 4 other guys behind him. The guy on the PA then proceeded to announce to bikers to take it slower round the corner. But that wasn’t the problem, basic bike skills were, and he nearly ended the race for 4 others.
Check out the thread I stared yesterday with the subject heading, “Roadie Observations.” It’s not just bike handling. There are lots of folks out there on very expensive equipment that don’t appear to know much of anything about good pedaling mechanics/efficiency. They’re not such a threat to others on the course as those who don’t know proper bike handling skills. But they’re sure burning a lot of energy needlessly.
Bob C.
Vive la France! 
Funny thing is that my 8 year old son knows better. He has known since he was 5 riding two wheels to pick up the inside leg. I thought you learn this as a kid when you learn to ride a bike. All the kids in the neighbourhood know better. Really, it has nothing to do with being a triathlete, but basic bike skills that kids learn. Either these guys forgot how or learned on some other weird planet.
Speaking of bike handling skills, not to pick on my roadie friends, but why exactly was Rasmussen constantly unclipping his legs during the last TdF TT. You have better control of the bike with BOTH legs clipped in. His second crash could have easily been avoided if he actually stayed clipped in and steered his bike with his legs and core body !!!
MTBiker reflex…on dirt, you can steer with your feet…on a road bike, try steering with your cleats on asphalte
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Even funnier is that I started mountain bike racing after being a roadie for some time, and in one race I take a sharp corner and do the roadie thing, point my knee at the apex of the turn. HUGE MISTAKE. Happened to be a tree at the apex of the corner. Caught my knee on it, flipped around and took a big digger. Nothing broken but it hurt like hell.
I never unlcip (voluntarily) on my mtb. Interesting that Ras has that style.
“His second crash could have easily been avoided if he actually stayed clipped in and steered his bike with his legs and core body !!!”
Perhaps you could coach tour riders on their bike handling skills. You definitely sound qualified, and I’m sure they could use it.
I’m not saying I should coach Tour riders, but seriously, Rasmussen was totally amateur. The Cat 3 posers at the local TT seem to be able to control their bikes better riding solo :-).
I’ll gladly coach Rasmussen for free. Armchair internet directeurs sportif that we all are 
Hehe. A triathlete…coaching a mountain biker…on his time trial handling skills.
Ok, I’d pay to see that.
<His second crash could have easily been avoided if he actually stayed clipped in and steered his bike with his legs and core body !!! >
Not much core body there with which to steer.
Vive la France!
Yes, a Frenchie won. Vive la France Francois