Dennis set a** new TDF time trial record** at today’s 13.8km opening stage in a time of 14:56 for an incredible** avg speed of 55.45 kph**.
Any thoughts on his position, equipment and gear that contributed to this achievement?
This is the only side view photo I could find which is not great since the top of his torso and helmet is cut off but still gives a good idea. Looks like he’s trying to get as close to the skier tuck as possible within UCI rules which limit the height of the bar extensions to max 10 cm above the armrests.
Interesting that TT stars Tony Martin (2nd) and Fabian Cancellara (3rd) still use a more hands/arms horizontal or slightly tilted down vs. Dennis with arms up.
Not wanting to take anything away from Rohan (I think he pretty much rode perfectly)
I think not enough emphasis has been placed on the fact that he rode early in the day, before the wind picked up.
Yep, i did some digging and from what i understand it was hotter and the winds were stronger than predicted in the later afternoon (even within a 24 hour window the weather had changed). Thus when the big guns selected the later start times they were not expecting the level of wind and to a smaller degree the heat to be that big of a factor. Kudos to Dennis for a great ride, but if he had started later he most likely would not have even been top 5.
This is the one slight issue i have with stage 1 ITT’s, the race should start all the GC riders at the same general time, TT specialists at the same time, and then everybody else can fill in. That way you can have a fairly balanced playing ground. That is particularly true in a 13.8k TT where even the slightest change in wind/temp can be a huge difference. In this situation Cancellara starts 2.5 hours later and Martin is 2 hours later, that can lead to some big differences conditions. Just take the top 10-15 TT riders and have them start at the same time, it really eliminates the whole starting time game.
Edit: I think that is confirmed by Quintana’s time as well, he rode very well and was an early starter.
. Kudos to Dennis for a great ride, but if he had started later he most likely would not have even been top 5.
I think you underestimate how good he is if you think he wouldn’t be in the top 5.
It wasn’t crazy hot with a top of 31c, it was a fairly protected loop in the city and they got to choose their start times, bad luck to the supposed big guns. To ride at 55.4Kph which is a TDF record takes power, i think it’s harsh to just say it was conditions.
well as triathletes i’m not sure much of what he did today is relevant to us.
that position looks uncomfortable for 15minutes - let alone an hour or 5 hours
he was in full aero skinsuit with booties… how many of us race in those?
no bottles
56 tooth front chainring… ouch how many of us can run after mashing that thing
i do love the tri-spoke however.
I’m going to have to go ahead and disagree with pretty much all of that.
1 - other than the very narrow arms, that doesn’t look uncomfortable, at all.
2 - granted. But - it doesn’t make it not “relevant”, as we’re all trying to be as aero as we can, given the constraints of also swimming prior and running after.
3 - with slightly wider arms (see #1), a BTA bottle would probably be just as aero.
4 - how many of us would even need a 56, period? Maybe Pros who are bike studs, on a flat course.
Proper gearing is proper gearing - many AG triathletes don’t even need a 53.
Re: the tri-spoke - it’s interesting that so many pro roadies still use these for TT’s.
I have to wonder if another F wheel option might actually be faster?
Pretty remarkable that ‘ancient’ aero tech like that is still so competitive.
This is the one slight issue i have with stage 1 ITT’s, the race should start all the GC riders at the same general time, TT specialists at the same time, and then everybody else can fill in. That way you can have a fairly balanced playing ground. That is particularly true in a 13.8k TT where even the slightest change in wind/temp can be a huge difference. In this situation Cancellara starts 2.5 hours later and Martin is 2 hours later, that can lead to some big differences conditions. Just take the top 10-15 TT riders and have them start at the same time, it really eliminates the whole starting time game.
As a trivial question, where would you put place Peter Sagan in that lineup? He’s quickly becoming a great TT rider-beating Froome, Contador and Tejay in stage 1.
