Professional Cycling - TDF riders' unzipped jerseys

I know the summer heat almost mandates that they unzip their jerseys, but doesn't this produce more wind resistance and drag? Well, I'll probably answer my question by saying aerodynamics doesn't matter so much during road stages as it does during time trials.

It just seems odd seeing the jerseys flap like capes behind some of the riders.

They typically unzip their jerseys when they are fighting up a hill, so aerodynamics are not as important.

... so aerodynamics are not as important.
But survival is. :)

Gerolsteiner wouldn't be too happy with Totschnig's effort crossing the line the other day.


I think Big Tom was also too excited to "zip up" when he won the Ronde.

Yeah, its more drag but you benefit by not overheating and losing power.

Gerolsteiner wouldn't be too happy with Totschnig's effort crossing the line the other day.


I think Big Tom was also too excited to "zip up" when he won the Ronde.

I wonder if Totschnig was capable of zipping up. He could'nt even walk after that stage.

and it's been discussed here recently how annoyed the sponsers get when the riders don't zip them up and show the logos for the cameras as they cross the finish.....

that even carries over to post-race stuff. when hincapie won his stage he came out of the trailer barechested to be congratulated by la who had just gotten off his bike. as they where shaking hands, hugging, etc. you could see a team guy try to stick a discovery jersey in hincapies hands to suggest he put that on for the cameras...

Zip up the jersey after you just climber several friggin mountains at speeds most humans cannot imagine on a bicycle. JEEEEEZ.:)