Specialized Racing provided Etixx - Quick-Step with pre-race analysis of Milano-Sanremo! The details are below.
Overview
Milano – Sanremo is one of the most unpredictable races in the entire cycling calendar. There are three important elements that in the last editions have characterized this race, elements that we have taken some time to analyze.
The first one is represented in the initial five hours of the race that include the climb of Turchino and Cipressa, but also the entrance on the coastal road of Liguria.
The second one is represented by the climb and consequent descent of the Poggio. And the third one that brings the riders to the final Kilometer of the race.
The first five hours
The first hours of the race is a battle to stay as hidden as possible to save as much energy as possible. If being positioned in the middle of the peloton is the way to go, adding the right choice of equipment helps a rider to save even more.
Things to analyze are the different roles of the riders, including the one of the domestiques that will have to control the race in the front, according to the respective teams’ strategies. Being very exposed, aerodynamics is very important as it gives longevity to the effort.
Even though the first part of the course sees the climb of Turchino and Cipressa, aerodynamics is still a factor given the high speed at which these two climbs are negotiated.
- Going from a Prevail Helmet to an Evade Helmet saves 85kJ or roughly the equivalent of one Energy Gel
- The draft a potential winner gets from just one rider over this segment equals 600kJ (7 Energy Gels), if he spends the entire time deep in the pack he even saves 1500kJ (18 Energy gels)
- The Energy saving effect of the Evade Helmet still holds true, when deep in the pack.
The Poggio Element
The climb
- Even though gravity is the biggest resistance going up the Poggio, it is still a balancing game of aerodynamics and weight. An aero set up consisting on the Venge still saves 6 Watts over a Tarmac during this climb.
- We estimate that the climb will be ridden in less than 7’ that makes of it a very fast ascent. While riders less prone to sprint will be maximizing their effort along the Poggio, sprinters will try to save the loss as much as they can. Staying as close as possible with the top of the field by limiting their gaps will help them to recover along the fast and winding descent.
The Descent
- The Poggio descent is fast and winding and it will be headed at a high speed. Less than 5’ for regroup, in case a rider has been left behind during the ascent of the Poggio. The effort will be violent and can show relevant power consumption, even though it is a downhill.
- Aero is still relevant, along with another component, the combination of tires and wheels. Specialized has develop a huge knowledge in tires performance and the Specialized Turbo is the result of it. Low rolling resistance and great grip is what’s needed in extreme situation like the Poggio descent. Even more with rainy conditions.
- Teams along with Specialized Racing are working extensively on defining the best tire pressure and to make sure the riders arrive at the Poggio with the right conditions.
- Going down the Poggio a rider has to rely on fast wheels, with a great brake performance and an incredible acceleration. Most of our top riders will be racing the Roval CLX 60 as it is a combination of all the features a rider is looking at.
The Sprint (Last Kilometer)
- In the last km aero truly is everything. 83% of the overall resistance is aerodynamic resistance, showing that the air and not the weight is the athlete’s biggest enemy.
- One Example: in case of a sprint finish, a sprinter starts his final surge with about 200m to go. He cranks the pedals hard, reaching maximum power three seconds into the surge and accelerates quickly. Let’s suppose that sprinter A on the Venge completes the 200m in 11.7 seconds. His identical opponent, sprinter B that produces the same power at the same time, uses a Tarmac. He reaches the finish in 11.8 seconds or roughly 1.5 meters behind sprinter A.
CONCLUSIONS
Milano-Sanremo is a long race where aerodynamics plays a big role, but there are other elements a rider must consider if he wants to aim for the ultimate success.
This Classic is difficult to be interpreted and it requires a lot of attention to the details when it comes to selecting the right equipment.
From the domestique to the leader, the set ups need to be selected with care, as they can change a lot to the final result.
Specialized best set up for Sunday consists in:
- Venge;
- Roval CLX60
- Specialized Turbo
- Evade Helmet