Astana's shoe covers for the Paris-Nice time trial

During the final Paris-Nice team time trial, one detail intrigued observers: each rider on the XDS Astana team wore different colored shoe covers. A touch of vanity? A marketing ploy? Not at all. Behind this original idea lies a purely strategic logic, explained by Alex Dowsett, former hour record holder and time trial expert.

By Jeff Tatard – Images: DR

The importance of optimal relay management

The team time trial is an extremely intense eventAt speeds of around 60 km/h, each rider must provide maximum effort while maintaining perfect cohesion with their teammates. The goal is simple: minimize aerodynamic resistance and optimize the distribution of relays to maintain a constant and efficient pace.

However, in this discipline where every fraction of a second counts, lucidity quickly diminishes due to fatigue and lack of oxygen. It then becomes difficult for a rider to keep an eye on the entire team, particularly to clearly identify who they are following and anticipate their own relay.

A simple but devilishly effective trick

This is where this ingenious idea of ​​colorful shoe covers comes in. Each member of the Astana team wore a different color, allowing their teammates to instantly spot who was ahead of whom without having to look up..

Why is this crucial? Because in time trials, aerodynamic position is paramount. Looking up for even a fraction of a second can:

• Create a break in aerodynamics, resulting in a loss of speed.

• Disrupt concentration and effort management.

• Delay the anticipation of returning to the back of the line after a relay.

Thanks to the colored shoe covers, each runner knows exactly who they're following with a quick peripheral glance. The result: less stress, smoother anticipation of relays, and improved overall efficiency.

An idea to generalize?

While this approach may have been surprising, it could well inspire other teams in the future.After all, in time trials, every detail counts, and any improvement, however small, can make the difference between victory and a place of honor.

Astana thus provided a simple but brilliant demonstration: innovation doesn't always involve cutting-edge technology. Sometimes, a visual solution as basic as colorful shoe covers can have a significant impact on performance.

A fine lesson in pragmatism and tactical intelligence, which could soon become a standard in team time trials.

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