Time trial technique at the Tour de France - a look behind the scenes
The 1st stage of the Tour de France 2022 in Copenhagen was only 13.2 kilometres long, but the fact that it is an individual time trial means a lot of work for the teams. TOUR editors Jens Klötzer and Julian Schultz took a look behind the scenes at the start in the Danish capital and picked up lots of details.
The most exciting tricks in the individual time trial at the Tour de France
The individual time trial is a very special discipline in racing cycling and requires a lot of training on the specialised bike. Many racers therefore go to the wind tunnel to optimise their riding position in the battle against the clock.
No chance of hiding in the time trial
The captains cannot hide behind their team in the slipstream in the individual time trial - as they can on flat stages, for example. This is why the battle against the clock is also known as the race of truth. The time trial specialists pedal with extreme vigour. You can read here which wattage values are pedalled in an individual time trial.
The world champion jersey of the best individual time trialist is currently worn by Filippo Ganna from Team Ineos Grenadiers. As part of the European Championships, TOUR took a closer look at Ganna's time trial bike. Here are some photos and a description of his Pinarello Bolide F.
Time trial specialist Tony Martin
The most successful German rider in the individual time trial in the recent past was Tony Martin, who ended his career after last season.
Born in Cottbus, he became world champion in the individual time trial a total of four times and also took stage wins in the Tour de France in the battle against the clock.
Difference prologue vs. individual time trial
It is also worth knowing that the 13-kilometre individual time trial in Copenhagen is considered a full stage and no longer a prologue. According to the UCI regulations, opening time trials that are no longer than eight kilometres are prologues. For distances of more than eight kilometres, the professionals refer to it as a stage and no longer as a prologue.
While until a few years ago the time trials at the Tour de France were sometimes very long, the kilometres in the battle against the clock have become fewer and fewer in recent times.
This year, a total of 53.9 kilometres of individual time trials must be completed in the Tour of France. The second test against the clock awaits the riders on 23 July, on the penultimate stage between Lacapelle-Mariva and Rocamadour over 40.7 kilometres before.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
