In the modern Tour de France, time trials are no longer just about raw strength and powerful legs. With the introduction of aerodynamics and equipment play, teams are faced with complex decisions that can make or break a rider’s performance. Even in mountain time trials, where gravity is expected to dominate, aerodynamic efficiency remains crucial.
Stage 13 of this year’s Tour is particularly challenging due to its intricate web of equipment choices, aerodynamic trade-offs, weight penalties, and terrain-specific strategies. Every detail matters, from the choice of skinsuit to bike setup, as riders aim to maximize their potential.
The rider question for this stage appears straightforward, with Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar likely battling it out. However, the equipment question is far more complicated. Performance engineers will need to make precise decisions to gain an edge in what promises to be a tightly contested time trial.
Source: https://escapecollective.com/optimising-for-the-tour-de-france-mountain-time-trial