Faris' Aero Position: IM Az

Triathlon Forum
1

I noted the various pics of Faris Al Sultan winning Ironman Arizona as well as from his podium performance in Kona.

Here are my thoughts:

  1. The position is not a particularly “full out aero position” in that his drag numbers could likely be much lower

  2. The position is an awesome “all purpose aero position” in that his average drag numbers are likely pretty good as he can hold this position for the full 4:30 pretty well without much physical discomfort

  3. The cockpit is pretty tight

  4. There seems to be no distress on the lower back and hamstrings that you get in a really low position

  5. Excellent “open torso” for breathing and digestion, the latter likely being the most overlooked element of a useful position for Ironman racing (after all, Ironman is about who can travel the fastest while absorbing a 10 course buffet)

  6. Nice position for transitioning to the run quickly

Last fall, I decided to work with a more useful “all purpose” aero position that I could hold up false flats, wind, potholes and rough roads. Seeing Faris win Ironman Az further confirms to me that the German biker express (Zack, Hellriegel, Stadler etc, none of whom are super duper aero) in general got this position thing right for Ironmans. It seems, super aero is highly overrated.

What do the fit experts have to say on these observations ?

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On the other hand, Peter Reid seems to be minimizing his drag numbers to the hilt with his position, and he seems go alright at IM, even transitioning to one of the faster run splits of the top guys… I think its highly individualistic, AND probably trainable…

(**of course we have no wind-tunnel data to prove his position is the most aero possible for him…)

3

Dev … very good points! Look at the guys/gals riding and running fast off similar positions (w/ top placings) … Norman, Faris, Major, Gollnick, Lawn, Byrn, Bjorling, Fuhr, Leder etc. (some of these guys are forward some are more slack)

Not that aero is overrated but excessively aero IS highly overrated!

The key points are: developing a position that is comfortable for the distance you are riding, a position that you can ride for the majority of your distance race, that enables you to digest food in that position, and maximizes the athletes ability run from that position, and allows you to handle the bike safely. (NOTE … a tighter cockpit often helps an athlete relax)

Guys like Reid, Evens etc have found ways to ride run well/relatively well off the bike from lower positions.

You are on the right track …

4

None of the Germans ride super aggresive. Look at Hellreigal also.

Gordo has mentioned on his site that he’s now riding higher in the front. I thought it was Dave Bunce and Kraig Willet who helped set him up this way, but I’d have to recheck the post. He feels his power gain offsets any aero loss.

Apparently Lance is also riding higher for the same reasons.

I can see the super aero position for a 20 or 40 km TT, but have to wonder of the wisdom of very many of us riding in a Bjorn style position for 112 miles and then having to run a marathon afterwards.

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Dev can you post a link or tell us where you found those pics?

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www.digitaltriathlon.com
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Reid and Larsen appear to be the super aero exceptions (and even Larsen only had one really good marathon off the bike at LP). The more you look at it, the data points to the “all purpose” aero position that you can bolt yourself into for 4.5 to 6 hours.

Dev