Over the past few race seasons, I’ve noticed a distinct shift in the dynamics of long course professional racing, particularly in the bike. Historically, we have seen strong cyclists (the so called “uber bikers”) successfully bridge gaps to the front group, or at least neutralize their advantage.Recently, however, it appears that the front pack and the lead chase pack are consistently maintaining and often extending their lead over the main chase group, despite the stricter enforcement of the 20 meter draft rule. Why does this gap seem increasingly difficult to close nowadays?
Uber bikers were people like Sindballe, Lieto - and before them a handful of very strong German bikers (hence the name), who would push themselves hard on the bike, to fade (or walk) on the run.
Today, there is a much wider spread across the field, people like Ditlev can actually run - and the smart use of power meters, and understanding race day physiology has retired these athlete types a while ago.
Because too many uber swimmers are the uber bikers too….Laidlow, Shonberg, and a couple others can make for a hell of a lead group, one that even Magnus is not catching 1 minute down on the swim.
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Yeah, add Marten Van Riel, Schomburg, and Riddle to that mix, the bike power at the front is incredible. The only ones bridging the gap are the Norwegians, who are usually down by about two minutes.