How Much Faster Do Pro Cyclists Ride Downhill? with GCN
Source: GCN Youtube Channel: How Much Faster Do Pro Cyclists Ride Downhill?
Video How Much Faster Do Pro Cyclists Ride Downhill? with Global Cycling Network
Video How Much Faster Do Pro Cyclists Ride Downhill? with Global Cycling Network YouTube Channel.
How Much Faster Do Pro Cyclists Ride Downhill?
Cycling is a sport that demands precision, skill, and nerves of steel, especially when it comes to descending at breakneck speeds. Pro cyclists like Casper Anderson can descend at speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour with just a thin layer of Lycra separating them from the unforgiving road. But how do amateur cyclists and regular riders compare to these professionals? To shed some light on this comparison, a group of cyclists tackled the El Angels descent near Jona, Spain, each with their own level of experience and skill.
The descent at El Angels is no joke, spanning 5 kilometers with an average gradient of 6.1%. It’s a fast-flowing descent with plenty of challenging corners that test the riders’ handling skills and bravery. The fastest time on this descent is held by none other than Casper Anderson, a testament to the skill and expertise required to navigate it with speed and precision.
In the realm of cycling, equipment plays a crucial role in performance, especially when it comes to descending. Shimano, a renowned manufacturer of cycling components, provided their mid-tier 105 and top-tier Dura-Ace components for this descent challenge. The difference in braking and descending performance between these two component sets can make a significant impact on a rider’s confidence and safety while tackling challenging descents like El Angels.
To make this challenge even more interesting, three riders took on the descent: an amateur cyclist named Joe, a seasoned pro cyclist named Alexis Brunal, and the narrator of the video. Joe, hailing from Chelham in England, brings 10 years of cycling experience and some road racing background to the table. On the other hand, Alexis Brunal has an impressive cycling resume, having ridden for World Tour teams like Groupama-FDJ and UAE Team Emirates before joining the pro gravel team Groove Gravel. The narrator, while not a pro cyclist, also took on the descent to compare his performance against Joe and Alexis.
The importance of brakes in descending cannot be understated, as they are the primary means of controlling speed and ensuring safety on challenging descents. The Shimano Dura-Ace components featured in this challenge offer advanced braking technology, including the Servo Wave system that provides precise and powerful braking control. With the proper equipment and technique, riders can navigate descents with confidence and control, even at high speeds.
After completing the descent challenge, the riders compared their times and speeds to see how they stacked up against each other. Joe finished the descent in 5 minutes and 35 seconds, followed by the narrator with a time of 5 minutes and 37 seconds. Alexis Brunal, the pro cyclist, blazed through the descent in 5 minutes and 29 seconds, showcasing his superior skill and experience on the bike.
Analyzing the results further using Strava’s analysis tools, the narrator highlighted the differences in technique between the riders. While Joe and the narrator relied more on braking power and cornering speed adjustments, Alexis demonstrated a smoother and more efficient descent, maintaining higher speeds through the corners and minimizing unnecessary braking. This difference in approach and technique can be attributed to the experience and skill level of each rider, highlighting the nuances of descending at a professional level.
In conclusion, the descent challenge at El Angels provided valuable insights into the differences between amateur cyclists, experienced riders, and pro cyclists when it comes to descending. While amateurs like Joe and the narrator can tackle challenging descents with confidence and skill, professionals like Alexis Brunal bring a level of expertise and efficiency that sets them apart on the road. By understanding the importance of equipment, technique, and experience in descending, cyclists can improve their performance and safety on the road, whether they’re riding for fun or competing at a professional level.
The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel Global Cycling Network and do not necessarily represent the views of Bicycles4ever Cycling Culture.
