What's with the push?
07-26-13, 05:24 AM
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What's with the push?
In the video above (at 41 secs), the guy pushes another cyclist on the ass. The purpose is probably to avoid crossing wheels and benefit from his draft but I find it very strange. I also saw it at some stages of TdF this year. Is it something normal in the pro cycling world? Honestly I don't want someone to touch my ass when I'm going downhill at 100 kph.
Another thing is that I find drafting useless in this case since the guy on the front has reached limit speed. They should have reached a speed where max cadence and top gear ratio wouldn't work anymore. The only advantage of drafting could be less wind on your face.
07-26-13, 05:53 AM
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In the video above (at 41 secs), the guy pushes another cyclist on the ass. The purpose is probably to avoid crossing wheels and benefit from his draft but I find it very strange. I also saw it at some stages of TdF this year. Is it something normal in the pro cycling world? Honestly I don't want someone to touch my ass when I'm going downhill at 100 kph.
Another thing is that I find drafting useless in this case since the guy on the front has reached limit speed. They should have reached a speed where max cadence and top gear ratio wouldn't work anymore. The only advantage of drafting could be less wind on your face.
As for drafting, of course the benefit is less wind on your face, less wind resistance is the whole point. On a fast descent, the guy in front may reach the maximum speed he can reach in the wind, yes. But by sheltering behind him you are encountering less wind resistance, so you will not be at your max. And these sections don't typically last long, very soon you will reach a curve, or the gradient will ease off, making it necessary to apply force the pedals again. At this point you have the option to save power by continuing to sit behind him, or use the draft tto slingshot past him and attack. Neither option would be available had you let him get away from you on the descent, or sacrificed your aerodynamic advantage by sitting in the wind.
07-26-13, 06:15 AM
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That said, the clip is old, half the teams featured in the footage are defunct, and he still races!
Last edited by sci_femme; 07-26-13 at 06:18 AM.
