At the start of the season, cycling star Tadej Pogacar surprised everyone with the news that he had switched to shorter cranks. The Slovenian went from 172.5 millimetres to 165 - almost a centimetre less. The 25-year-old cited better pedalling efficiency and a higher cadence - and therefore more speed - as the reasons for the change.
Prominent examples
However, the winner of the 2024 Tour de France was not the only rider to opt for shorter cranks. There is a real trend in the peloton. Remco Evenepoel (Soudal - Quick Step165 millimetres) and Olympic champion Richard Carapaz (EF Education EasyPost167.5 millimetres) have been riding relatively short cranks - measured against their height - since this season.
Short cranks also popular with sprinters
However, the trend is not only noticeable among climbers and classification riders. Sprinters like Michael Matthews (Team Jayco-AlUla) or time trial specialists like Victor Campenaerts (Lotto-Dstny) rely on the shortest available crank length of 165 millimetres, as our analysis shows.
A mechanic from Jayco-AlUla explains the advantages: "Some sprinters achieve a higher cadence and more speed. For time trialists, it can have the advantage that they sit higher and their upper body is flatter - this results in an aerodynamic advantage."
However, the measure does not make sense for every driver. Like many others, Pogacar's main rival Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike) apparently decided against shorter cranks: He continues to ride a classic length of 172.5 millimetres.
TOUR at the Tour de France: Exclusive blog
Jens Klötzer
Editor
