In episode 4 of the third season of World Record Maarten Vangramberen looks back on Tom Boonen’s first victory in Paris-Roubaix. Which crucial factors underpinned Boonen’s success in the cobbled classic?
1. Cycling in the peloton
“Riding in a peloton is like being in a busy traffic jam, while everyone is driving at 120 km/h,” says Tom Steels, team leader at Quick-Step.
But it pays to master it. In the belly of the peloton you use much less energy. Maarten is experiencing this together with Lotte Kopecky.
2. Cycling over cobblestones
“The difference between cycling on asphalt and cycling on cobblestones is like comparing an electric toothbrush with a jackhammer”, says Claus Claeys of the Vibrations and Sounds research group (KUL).
The differences in power are also huge.
“If you want to cycle 30 km/h, you have to pedal up to 100 watts more on cobblestones than on asphalt,” says Claeys.
3. The impact of the tires
“The tubes are the holy grail,” says Tom Boonen.
In Paris-Roubaix the riders will ride with tires that are slightly thicker and have a lower pressure than normal.
These ensure that you experience a quarter less vibrations, and that you can pedal at a lower power.
