Member Question: Comfort vs Aerodynamics for an Olympic Race

author : FitWerx

comments : 0

Is it more important to be as steep as you can go and uncomfortable, or be in a more comfortable position and sacrifice some aerodynamics?

Member Question from joetex23
If racing a short distance (Olympic), is it more important to be as steep as you can go and uncomfortable, or be in a more comfortable position and sacrifice some aerodynamics?
 
Answer
I don’t recommend going as steep as you can go for any distance. You can start losing power if your saddle is too far forward. If you’re set up properly and have good core strength and flexibility you should be able to maintain a very aerodynamic position for short course triathlons.

An Olympic distance bike leg requires spending about an hour in the aerobars, so the last thing you want to do is push the envelope with an uncomfortable position and have to sit up excessively before the bike leg is over. Sitting up can cost you big chunks of time and quickly offset any gains you made from a position that’s too aggressive.

It’s also important to remember that you’re running off the bike, so you don’t want to be in a position that negatively impacts your run form. I recommend riding in a position that allows you to stay in the aerobars the whole bike leg without negatively impacting your run performance.

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date: October 8, 2008