5 exciting tech insights to look out for in the Paris Olympics time trials
Disc wheels, new skinsuits and special paint jobs are all likely to be used on Saturday
The cycling events at the Paris Olympics begin this Saturday with the individual time trials, and as always, when the stakes are high, the tech gains come to the fore.
Earlier this week, riders set out on their recons of the 32.4km city-centre course, all under the watchful eye of photographers. Here at Cycling Weekly, we've scrutinised the images to pick out some tech insights we might see during the race.
From a rare front disc wheel, to brand-new paint jobs, here's a taster of what to look out for.
Wout van Aert's front disc
Wout van Aert made headlines yesterday when he took to the time trial course running a dual disc wheel set-up. Despite offering a smoother air flow in still conditions, front discs can be notoriously difficult to control in crosswinds, and are for that reason very rarely used on the road.
Speaking to Sporza, Van Aert explained that he isn't certain to use the disc wheel.
"It's definitely an option," he said. "We've been preparing for this for a while. It's super fast, but the right conditions are needed.
"We'll decide on Saturday. It mainly depends on the wind, because you have to be able to keep your bike under control," the Belgian added. "I was happy when I saw the course, because there is a lot of shelter, so it could be an option, even though it looks unusual."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Josh Tarling, Team GB's medal hope for the event, was unconvinced by the choice when asked about it in his press conference on Thursday. "It's clever if he thinks there's a gain in it. If he's tested it, then go for it," the Brit said.
"I know the first and last five kilometres are bumpy, and so harsh on a disc wheel. I've never ridden one outside but I'm sure the corners won't be amazing on it either. Because the corners are fast, you need to really make the most out of them."
Pinarello's new Bolide F TT
There's going to be a new incarnation of Pinarello's Bolide F TT bike in Paris, used by riders such as Magnus Sheffield, Filippo Ganna, and Tarling.
The bike, unveiled by the Italian manufacturer last week, claims to have a 2.28% CdA reduction compared to its previous design, meaning aerodynamic drag is lower - albeit by a slim margin.
Part of the way the brand has achieved this, it says, is through its 'AeroNodes' – the small ridges that go down the seat tube – that are borrowed from its track bike, the Bolide F HR. These AeroNodes are said to "reduce the complex vortexes generated by riders' leg movements" and are inspired by the tubercules on the flippers of humpback wales.
Stefan Küng's Willier Supersonica
Like the new Pinarello Bolide F TT, Willier's recently released Supersonica SLR promises significant aero improvements - 16% more than its previous model, according to the brand.
Developed in just nine months, the bike was released in June this year with a hefty price tag starting at €20,5000 (£17,280). It was ridden by Groupama-FDJ's Stefan Küng at the Tour de France, and the Swiss rider was spotted using it again in his recons of the Olympic course in Paris.
One of the bike's more unique elements is its integrated bottle cage, which requires a special, rectangular bottle, and is typically seen in triathlon. It's all part of making the machine a fast, cohesive unit, with as little airflow disruption as possible.
Team GB's special skinsuits
Brought to our attention by Cyclingspy on Instagram, the material on the Team GB skinsuits is worthy of closer inspection.
As shown in the picture above, Tarling's forearms appear to be wrapped in a shiny, smooth fabric. This material could be latex or silicone, and despite being branded as Adidas, may have been made by another manufacturer, such as bespoke brand Vorteq, who are known to be working with the Team GB track team at the Games.
The desired effect of the material, ultimately, is to go faster. Track sprinter Jeffrey Hoogland used similar fabrics, inspired by speedskating suits, during his kilometre time trial world record in a bid to reduce drag at higher speeds.
The GB skinsuits, likewise, seek to control airflow with a waved texture on the upper arm, likely achieved by layering two fabrics.
Specialized's Paris paint jobs
Specialized may not have given their riders new models for the Olympic time trials, but the American brand has provided fresh paintwork. Those using S-Works Shiv TT bikes, such as Demi Vollering and Remco Evenepoel, will race with special paint jobs that have a nod to sustainability.
The design comes as Specialized celebrates its 50th anniversary, and symbolises the brand's mission to strive for a better planet.
Vollering shared close-up pictures on her Instagram, revealing the phrase "pedal the planet forward" printed on her bike's top tube.
A post shared by Demi Vollering (@demivollering)
A photo posted by on
For more information about the Paris Olympic Games time trials, visit our detailed hub page, which provides everything you need to know to follow the action.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Tom joined Cycling Weekly as a news and features writer in the summer of 2022, having previously contributed as a freelancer. He is the host of The TT Podcast, which covers both the men's and women's pelotons and has featured a number of prominent British riders.
An enthusiastic cyclist himself, Tom likes it most when the road goes uphill and actively seeks out double-figure gradients on his rides.
-
Virtual cycling becomes real: We watched the esports world championships live in Abu Dhabi and it absolutely delivered
Exciting racing, celebrity attendance, pyrotechnics: it was so much more than watching people ride their trainers
By Christopher Schwenker Published
-
London 3 Day live stream: Watch Sunday's action on Cycling Weekly's YouTube channel
Watch live as track cycling stars go head-to-head at the Lee Valley Velodrome
By Tom Davidson Published
-
From 25mm to 32mm: What tyres did teams choose for the gravel at the Tour de France?
Pros opt for Paris-Roubaix style set-ups to deal with coarse terrain
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Radical split seatposts could become 'normal' as designers hunt for aero gains
New dual designs are cropping up on track bikes. Could we see them on the road soon?
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Is the new Cervélo P5X the future of time trial bikes?
The new Cervélo P5X was launched at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. Will this be the new radical trend in road time trials too?
By Nick Busca Published