The pros are fine-tuning every detail at the World Championships in Montréal. How you can use aerodynamics, pacing, and riding position for your own training.
When the best cyclists in the world compete against the clock at the Road World Championships in Montréal, it is a matter of fractions of a second. On the 39.2-kilometre course (partly also stated as 39.9 kilometres according to Cyclingnews and Radsport-News) with around 195 to 220 metres of elevation gain, the smallest adjustments decide between victory and defeat. But the extreme tactics and technical developments of pros like Remco Evenepoel or Filippo Ganna are not just exciting for the TV armchair. Anyone who understands the principles behind them can take away a lot for their own training and the next ride.
Aerodynamics is the key to speed, but it comes at a price. Italian frontrunner Filippo Ganna revealed in an interview with the Gazzetta dello Sport that he is working on a new, extreme riding position. To do this, he lowered the handlebars but left the saddle at the same height. The problem: the tighter hip angle led to muscle inflammation and the feeling that his leg was falling asleep. For the long World Championship race, he therefore prefers to fall back on his classic position.
For you, this means: an aerodynamic position is of no use if you cannot maintain it pain-free. If you set up too low, you lose power and risk injury. If you want to make your position more sporty, you should approach it in tiny steps and stretch and strengthen your core and back muscles at the same time. In the event of persistent discomfort or pain, professional assessment by experts is advisable.
The importance of the correct distribution of effort is shown by a look at the race preparation. Davide Piganzoli used the course inspection (the so-called recon) at the Tour de Luxembourg to simulate a complete time trial under full load. This gave him the necessary feeling for the rhythm. He tackled the first, hilly part extremely fast and saved his lead to the finish line in the flat, fast finale.
Evenepoel also meticulously fine-tuned his equipment, riding position, and aerodynamics beforehand at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. For your own time trial or your personal best on your home loop, this means: know the course. Plan exactly where you invest (for example on climbs) and where you make yourself aerodynamically small and let yourself roll. Blasting off blindly usually leads to your legs running out of steam on the final kilometres.
Developers are not sleeping when it comes to equipment either. A new Canyon Speedmax was spotted with Spanish national rider Iván Romeo before the World Championships. What stands out here is a clear change of direction in design: the manufacturer is now opting for a wide-flared fork and an integrated water bottle in the frame. The wide design is intended to optimize the airflow.
While such high-end frames are often unaffordable for recreational athletes, the trend nevertheless shows what matters: integration. A cleanly stowed water bottle and a tidy cockpit without cables flying around wildly also bring measurable aerodynamic advantages to your bike, without any expensive new purchase.
Your takeaway: Only approach more extreme riding positions slowly and get to know your course exactly beforehand in order to pace your effort optimally.
This article was generated automatically with AI from the sources listed above and has not been editorially reviewed.