Dauphiné Cowling

I thought cowlings were illegal? You’d think someone would have noticed it at the start?? Pretty elaborate setup! Harder to critique his position this way - I assume the aerodynamics are different. One o f you geeks can replicate this and let us know how it works. Must say it lines up nicely with his helmet.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2005/jun05/dauphinelibere05/index.php?id=stage0/cycling-dauphinelibere--66

Edit - guess that’s technically a fairing not a cowling, eh?