From our special correspondent in Besançon
Far from the clamor and fervor of the Tour de France, a rider equipped with numerous diodes connected to a computer applies himself to repeating, in the laboratory, the pedaling mechanics on a “bikefitting” device, which studies the position with a view to '' offer the comfort and performance to swallow up to 30,000 km per year. In the middle of the vast room sits a digitized mannequin by Thibaut Pinot. Molded nine years ago on the champion, it recalls the first aerodynamic tests of the Groupama-FDJ team for the time trial and today offers work on textiles (a good combination can save 4 or 5 % at the level of friction). At the back of the room, a huge tilting mat connected to an interactive screen allows you to take cardiovascular and ventilatory measurements of a cyclist equipped witha harness that is fencing like a dancer.
Lab, bike, sleep ...
Next to it, louder and still in search of the famous watts, a mini-blower measures the power absorbed ...
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