Abouttagand the publication "The size of Tadej Pogacar's cranks: innovation or madness?"
In the world of professional cycling, every detail counts. From the shape of the frame to the components of the wheels, each element is meticulously studied to optimize the performance of the riders. However, sometimes a champion dares to defy established conventions. This is the case this year of Tadej Pogacar, the talented Slovenian cyclist who, according to several media outlets, has opted for 165 mm cranks on his bottom bracket, well below the usual standards for someone his size, which would be more like 172,5 mm. This decision, seemingly counterintuitive, raises questions about the logic behind this choice, and could well reveal an innovative approach to professional cycling.
By Jean-François Tatard – Photos: Instagram Tadej Pogacar / DR
Although surprising at first glance, Tadej Pogacar's choice to adopt shorter than standard crank arms does not fail to arouse interest.. This bold and potentially risky decision opens the way to a thorough reflection on the benefits it could offer. To shed light on this perspective, we asked for the opinion of Guillaume Girout, leader of the DAGG group and expert reconnaked in postural studies, who himself has adopted this configuration for several years now. He is also the first to have spoken to us about it and to have succeeded in convincing us to equip our bike with cranks even shorter than those of the Slovenian champion, in this case 162,5 mm on our Factor Ostro VAM.
Our previous discussions with Guillaume revealed a crucial point: “ Shorter cranks promote faster leg rotation" In Pogacar's specific case, this reduction in crank length could result in an increase in his pedaling cadence.This ability to maintain a high cadence, particularly valuable during steep climbs like those we experience on the Giro, could constitute an advantagetage significant in the quest for performance.
Guillaume Girout also points out that " An interesting aspect of shorter cranks is their ability to improve aerodynamics ». And he adds: " By reducing the length of the lever arm on which the legs exert their force, the runner can potentially reduce aerodynamic drag." This reduction in air resistance is part of what is called the marginal gains – but at this level of competition, all the advantagestagThey are good to take – a particularly crucial consideration during time trials or flat stages where every second gained counts.. Our observations during the time trial stage of the 2024 Giro d'Italia confirmed this theory, highlighting the potentially significant impact of this technical choice on racing performance. Shorter cranks also mean a bottom bracket shell on the frame that is potentially lower to the ground, which offers less wind resistance and more stability at high speeds.
Shorter cranks allow for a more aggressive position on the bike, with a pilot positiontage lower and more forward. Because by reducing the angle formed by the trunk and thighs at each crank lift thanks to the shorter lever arms, the rider can lean a little more, an attitude already observed on time trial bikes. This additional consideration reinforces the idea that Pogacar's choice, although controversial, is the result of a careful analysis by the UAE team of the multiple facets of cycling performance.
Guillaume Girout also emphasizes " than another advancetagThe potential of shorter cranks is the reduction of muscle fatigue. By shortening the distance the legs travel with each pedal revolution, Pogacar could reduce the strain on the leg muscles.. This reduction in muscle load could allow him to maintain a high level of performance over a prolonged period, particularly during the stages of mytagnot demanding. This observation highlights the importance of ergonomic considerations such as crank length in managing endurance and recovery during high-level cycling competitions.
And yet, we come there, despite the advantagestagDespite the potentials mentioned above, Pogacar's choice to go with 165mm cranks remains controversial. Some cycling experts question the validity of this approach. Franck Perigois, another expert consulted for this article, points out that " that the advantagestagThe potentials may be minimal compared to the risks of compromising pedal power and efficiency.. » This warning underlines the importance of carefully considering the trade-offs between potential benefits and possible limitations when adopting new technologies or technical configurations in the world of professional cycling.
Ultimately, the true impact of Pogacar's decision to go with shorter crank arms will remain to be seen over time. However, what is undeniable is that This decision fuels heated debates within the cycling community. It also demonstrates the Slovenian champion's boldness and determination to push the boundaries of his sport. This decision is not limited to a simple technical question; it embodies the innovation and the relentless desire for improvement that characterizes great athletes.
As the spotlight turns to the upcoming competitions, the entire cycling community is holding its breath waiting to see if Pogacar can demonstrate that his revolutionary technical choices match his immense talent on the bike. In the meantime, one thing remains certain: the cycling world will continue to be amazed by these bold decisions, witnesses of the ability of champions to constantly push the limits and redefine the paradigms of their discipline.
Abouttagand the publication "The size of Tadej Pogacar's cranks: innovation or madness?"
Yes, his cleats are now significantly further back. As a result, he presses the pedal horizontally every time he presses. This is why some observers also say that he has lowered his saddle height. It is linked to the new position of his cleats.