cedo

We've all read that The Falcon is a superb descender and he proved that on the penultimate stage of the Giro. But I'm curious . . . what exactly does he do on the descents that the others don't do? Hold the line better? Tuck into a more aerodynamic position? Take more chances? It's not weight because he is about 150 lbs. And why can't the other world class riders emulate his technique?

Smoothie104

He is better at finding the limits of traction, and more comfortable riding there than most. He probably sees the line through the corner better than most, and is able to keep his CG or weight where it needs to be. Similar to auto or motorcycle racers.

I bet if any of us followed him on the same equipment, we'd slide out and crash where he would simply ride away.

I'm sure he has crashed himself into oblivion on more than one occasion, as this common when one pushes the limits.

ed073

He's just superb at going downhill.....comfortable on the limit of adhesion and balance. Sean Yates was the same.....could descend like a stone.

gmason

With Yates acting as DS for the Giro, that mutual understanding could very well have affected (positively) their planning on the hilly stages. And it worked.

2wheeled

Paul Sherwin asked Yates in one of the TDF's how he was able to descend so quickly (he had bridged almost a 2min gap on a long decent to catch the leaders) he stated that he would concentrate on the motorbikes and watch how much they lean to give him a good idea on the corners. He was an avid biker with and without an engine

Belugadave

I was wondering the same thing. It is amazing that there can be that much difference amongst the pros. I would think they would all be much closer. After what Paolo did, he should write a book about how to descend faster. I would probably buy it because I love to go fast down the hills and would like to be better at it. I think Smoothie is right about us crashing while taking the same exact line that Paolo does. That means it has to do a lot with technique.

26mi235

It is my understainding that both Landis and Armstrong are good to great descenders. After the 19th (?) stage, where Landis took a flyer off the top after leading up the climb, Landis tried to get away from Ullrich et al. However, they were able to chase him down, in part because you also had to ride a hard pace not just descend. Ullrich was surprised when Landis did not work with him to finish ahead of the other three (A, B, K).

lotek 

and Ulrich is NOT a great descender. Evidence the 2002 (?) tour
where he missed a turn and ended up in a ditch.
I bet even Jan would leave most of us scrabbling
along the tarmac as he just rode away on a descent.
Il Falco is something else.

Devil

2001 Tour. Jan was suspended in 2002 for failing a drug test (he tested positive for X) and missed the Tour.

skydive69

It's called "cajones." That's what he has in abundance!

ed073

What's cajones?

skydive69

Spanish for balls!

ed073

gotcha.

Muchas gracias.