It is not the same as a normal stage but a time trial requires the same preparation and work. In addition, for those who understand physics, it becomes a real distraction. And it is that every detail in this type of tests makes a difference and every second counts. You win or you lose.
Libardo Leyton, director of Movistar Team América, and Rafael Montiel, cyclist from Orgullo Antioqueño, explained to AS Colombia why the bicycle, the helmet, and the bodysuit are different in a speed stage.
"As minimal as it may seem, any detail is important. An advantage of one second per kilometer in just 24 (distance of the CRE in Bogotá) means a good difference. The aerodynamic bicycles, the larger ratio, the position in which you have less friction and drag with the wind, the different and smoother tubulars that allow you to go faster on the asphalt. All these details make a difference," explained Leyton.
For his part, Montiel indicated that everything that is done helps in a moment when the cyclist exerts extra force by going practically alone, "it is an individual effort, so the idea is to gain a little more aerodynamics with the bodysuit so that the wind does not hit you as much and there is greater performance."
Movistar is one of the favorite teams to win the overall classification of the Tour and the team classification, that is why, in their case, they take great care and attention to every aspect on the road, especially in the fight against nature which, even, is stronger than the one fought against rivals, however, Leyton assures that, above all, good cyclists are needed.
"All the benefits of the material that can be obtained to reduce friction with the wind and achieve speed are important and mean seconds. But for everything, you have to pedal, so you have to have strong men and a good strategy with power, order, and cyclists who provide security in front and behind."
The bodysuit
Although not noticed, the bodysuit that cyclists wear for a time trial is different from that of a normal stage. Leyton explains its differences, "it has fewer seams, it is more adhered to the skin, it has no space for the wind to enter, and what we seek is always to have the least friction with the wind."
The wheels
And since the wind is the main enemy, balance is also sought in the bicycle wheels, "normally a venticular wheel is used, sometimes both are used but, since there is wind, only one is used because there is a risk of a fall or of disarranging the team," Leyton confirmed.
"What the venticular wheel seeks is for the wind to pass through it as quickly as possible and not to have any brake, in addition, due to its texture and the way it is designed, it gives a greater boost and prevents the wind from getting in."
This is confirmed by Montiel, "it helps to propel more because it has something inside that makes this happen but the most important thing is that it cuts the wind."
In the Tour, there will be two other time trials, the first one will be in the eighth stage of 23.2 kilometers and the second one will be in the last fraction, a nocturnal uphill time trial of 17.5 kilometers.