How Do Tour De France Riders Climb So Fast?

Summary by Krater

This video examines the physical, tactical, and biomechanical factors that allow Tour de France cyclists to climb mountains at high speeds. It concludes that high power-to-weight ratio, drafting, pacing, positioning, fuelling, and pre-rotating are the key determinants of climbing speed.

From the video

Answers: How do Tour de France riders climb mountains so fast?

• Climbing speed in cycling
• Power-to-weight ratio in cycling
• Drafting in cycling
• Pacing strategies for climbs
• Positioning on climbs
• Fuelling strategies for cycling
• Pre-rotating cycling position

What it concludes

• High power-to-weight ratio is the biggest determinant in climbing speed.
• Drafting on climbs offers significant power savings even at gradients like 5.5%.
• Correct pacing prevents amateurs from starting too fast and fading later.
• Positioning near the front on shorter climbs prevents having to slow down or stop when the peloton hits narrow roads.
• Consuming up to 150 grams of carbohydrates per hour allows riders to produce similar power at the end of a long stage as at the start.
• Pre-rotating the saddle position by pushing it further forward and tilting it down can improve power transfer and reduce pressure on the bottom bracket.