The Tour de France, a legendary cycling event, has an intriguing twist in its time trial stages. Today's race, billed as the 'race of truth,' reveals an unexpected influence on the outcome: the team car following the rider.
Professor Bert Blocken's study, conducted at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, highlights the significant impact of these team cars on rider performance. The aerodynamic effects created by these vehicles can alter a rider's time by several seconds, depending on the car's size and proximity.
The Science of Speed
Cyclists experience aerodynamic resistance due to the overpressure and suction created by their movement. This is a well-known phenomenon, often considered in bike design. However, Blocken's research reveals that cars have a similar, but amplified, effect.
Car-Induced Boost
When a car follows a cyclist closely, it reduces the rider's aerodynamic resistance, providing a substantial boost. At just one meter, this effect is massive, reducing resistance by almost 14%. This advantage diminishes with distance but never disappears entirely.
Team Strategies
Teams have caught on to this phenomenon, using it to their advantage. Some stack spare bikes on their cars' roofs to increase the effect. The larger the vehicle and the greater its drag coefficient, the more significant the impact on the rider's performance.
The Ineos Advantage?
Netcompany Ineos, with their gas-guzzling Land Rover lookalike, the Grenadier, might have an edge. This vehicle, described as the team's 'driving force,' could provide a substantial boost to their star time triallist, Filippo Ganna. However, images suggest Ganna is often followed by a smaller estate car.
Modelled Effects
Blocken's group has modelled the impact of various vehicles. Following a rider at 10m, the Grenadier could reduce their time by 5.5 seconds, while an estate car would save 2.3 seconds. At 25m, these figures drop to 2.6 and 0.8 seconds, respectively, with an SUV lowering ride time by 1 second.
UCI's Response
The UCI has acknowledged Blocken's findings, increasing the minimum distance to a following car from 10m to 25m in 2023. However, even at this distance, the Ineos Grenadier would still provide a significant push. Blocken suggests further regulations, including a maximum CdA figure for team cars and an increased distance requirement.
Deeper Analysis
This phenomenon raises questions about the fairness of the sport. While it's an interesting strategic element, it also highlights the need for further regulation to ensure a level playing field. The UCI's response is a step in the right direction, but more comprehensive measures might be necessary to prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage.
Conclusion
The Tour de France time trial is not just a test of individual skill and endurance but also a strategic game influenced by external factors. The team car, an often-overlooked element, can significantly impact the outcome. As the sport evolves, it's essential to consider these nuances to maintain the integrity of the race.
