Picture (c) Andy Sexton.
In a change to the usual random layout of pictures, these excelent pictures by Andy Sexton have been arranged in the order of peoples finishing possitions. They give good insight into what it takes to be a faster TTer.
Rob Pears Cevelo was off the road at the time of this race, so instead he road his steel Telfer. This didn't stop him being the fastest Bath rider with a 1:01:51.
Notice his good possition, and attention to aerodynamics.
George Rowntree was one of the few riders to do a faster time in '08 than in '07. He recorded a time of 1:03:13 - probably as close as he has ever been to Rob in a 25m.
As with Rob, George has a good low possition. And also like Rob is riding in a short sleaved skin suit.
David Summers, was another of the few to improve form '07 to '08 - he came home in 1:03:29. This was also as close to George as he had ever been. Just as with Rob and George a good low possition, with a BCC short sleaved skin suit, and Bell helmet. The best excuse yet heard for the "belly" is one offered by Paul Thomson, that cyclists breathing very heavily, push down their diaphrams a long way. This displaces the interstines giving the pronouced "stomach". Who am I to disagree?
Tom Ryan came home in 1:07:28. Still has a good position. But a different helmet and wearing arm warmers. Well we can maybe dismiss the helmet as a factor, but as to the seleves - can short sleves make you go faster? Perhaps instead the faster riders need more power to get their faster times, this in turn generates more heat, and means they can survive in short sleves?
Pete Wilson rode round in 1:14:50. The change here, well gone are the deep section and disk wheels. Also note that Pete is the first rider to look at the camera and smile. Is it that the faster riders are too focused on the ride to pay attention to the camera man? Or maybe they just grimace more in pain. Below the saddle he carries some spares - which the faster riders have foregone. Pete also has a good possition on the bike, one of the best.
Aileen Brown was the slowest Bath rider with a time of 1:17:25. Obviously without the bulk of the faster riders. Good possition, but carrying, water bottle, under saddle pack, (probably) a pump. With a non aero helmet, and flapping number.