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Unfair advantage? Danes explore UCI rules with aerodynamic tape | Olympics

It is black on white. “Any non-essential element, which is not purely for protection, is prohibited. This applies to any material or substance that is applied to the skin and is not clothing”, states article 1.3.033.

The UCI put socks up to knee height on the blacklist three years ago. The potential benefit of an aerodynamic garment was equal to 2 watts. In a sport where the difference is hundredths, a big – and unfair – advantage.

Nevertheless, the Danish affixing team dared to put a piece of tape on their shins today. A bold choice, knowing that the UCI – and the competition – are looking at every attempt at competition distortion with suspicion.

It didn’t hurt the quartet with Lasse Hansen, Frederik Madsen, Rasmus Pedersen and Niklas Larsen. In the 4,000 meters they sharpened the Olympic record: 3’45″014. A good three tenths above their own world record.

Furrowed eyebrows at Chris Boardman. “So every rider had the same injury on both legs, requiring ‘medical tape’?” the former British rider thought aloud. “Coincidence that it just hangs in a place where it is aerodynamically advantageous.”

No, it is not a coincidence. Boardman certainly has a point. But on the track, every team is looking for the limit. Like the British, who ride the “Lotus Track” on a bicycle with a price tag of 100,000 euros. That for a mere 2% aerodynamic advantage.

“If the UCI doesn’t say it’s illegal, you’re taking advantage of it. That’s the most normal thing in the world in track cycling,” said Alex Rasmussen – commentator for Danish television.

Will the UCI still intervene, or will the Danish loophole remain standing? It would not be the first time that the cycling federation has banned an experiment. In 2018 Lotto-Soudal had to abandon their “speed gel” – which the riders smeared on their legs.

The dawn in Japan will provide the answer. Then Denmark will face Great Britain in the semi-final. The British clocked the fourth fastest time in the qualifiers.

Will the clash of the top favorites be decided by a piece of tape? The Danes hope that their experiment will not stick to the ribs.

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