Video: La Vuelta Time Trial Tech: 3D Printing for All and Protecting Cool

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This yr, the Vuelta a España has two time trials, somthing I’m fairly a fan of. If my reminiscence serves me proper, the previous three editions of La Vuelta have opened with group time trials, with final yr’s a very tasty one after we had been delivered the very good alternative to listen to Remco go ballistic on the race organizers.

This yr’s stage 1 time trial was nearer to a correct prologue, which I believe all grand excursions ought to get again to.

The beautiful a lot pan-flat course that hugged the Lisbon shoreline was visually gorgeous however outrageously windy. It was additionally outrageously scorching, and crowds had been sticking to the seashore moderately than the railings alongside the route. Nonetheless, it served up a superb afternoon racing and shock outcome with UAE Crew Emirates’ Brandon McNulty snatching the win by the narrowest of margins, 2.17 seconds over Mathias Vacek, a gentleman who seems to be looking for that little additional luck, so he can snag a stage win. To date, he’s completed second on two events.

So sure, a stinking scorching time trial within the charming Lisbon noticed the Vuelta kick off this yr, and I used to be there for a number of causes.

I made a decision to sprint across the pits, grabbing as a lot attention-grabbing time trial tech whereas going lightheaded with the warmth. And there was a shocking quantity of tasty tech readily available. A time trial treasure trove to tech, say that quick doable a number of instances!

There have been extra customized tri-bars than I’ve seen all yr. It now appears as if it’s not simply getting your physique place nailed that’s paramount, however getting your hand place as comfy as doable and shifter placement is the place the element is. And all that is right down to the advemt of 3D printing changing into greater than “a factor” on the planet of motorbike tech.

Fortunately for us, although, there are nonetheless a number of stand-out groups who both don’t actually care about time trial positions, don’t have the money, or suppose the outdated methods are nonetheless the perfect. There have been bikes with rim brakes, sure, I’ll repeat that, RIM BRAKES, plus bikes with (comparatively) fundamental and low-cost bars and positions which have had the outdated “does that look aero” query thrown at teammates, moderately than wind tunnel or monitor testing.

I’ve additionally included on this video the tips groups use to maintain cool, one thing that was greater than crucial for the primary stage. The warmth bouncing up from the tarmac the place the groups had been parked was scorching sufficient for the soles of sneakers to get a bit cheesy on the tarmac.

OK, on with the video. For those who haven’t already, hit that play button.
Thanks as all the time, and when you have feedback or questions, please contact me right here or right here.

Cheers,
Shoddy Dave