Technology, power, science, speed: a time trialist must combine all of these. But knowing how to do it (well) when you're at full speed is something for the few. Among these few there is certainly Edward AffiniThe Mantuan, from his home, where we had already brought you, guides us into the world of time trial. A specialty as complex as it is fascinating.
With the rider of the Jumbo Visma We talk about it in detail. His time trial and that of his rivals. Even going beyond the track and everything that connects a cyclist racing against the clock.
Edoardo, are you in the right team to be a time trialist?
I really think so. At Jumbo, time trial is a philosophy that has repercussions in all sectors. It means paying maximum attention to detail and always trying to improve. A philosophy that was also evident after our victory at the Tour with vingegaard. This was our primary goal for years, and once we achieved it, we asked ourselves: "Now what? What can we improve?" When it comes to time trials, we immediately think of materials. It's a discipline where seconds count, so every detail is important. Think about it, Foss, my partner, won the world championship by just 3”.
What areas do you think you need to work on to improve?
On the position certainly, especially after the measures born from the new regulationsAs far as I'm concerned, I could raise myself up a little with my elbows and then close myself a little. (at Evenepeol, ed.). The idea once was to squeeze more and more and to go down with the head, net of safety as we have seen with Bernal, now instead the tendency is to raise one's hands. And then I think we can work a lot on helmets and their dimensions.
And is that an advantage for you?
Yes, but others will too, so I don't think it will change much.
Where do you do the tests?
We have a partnership with theUniversity of Eindhoven, all our tests take place there in the wind tunnel. There are life-size models of Roglic and Wout (Van Aert, ed.) but soon I also think of Foss and Vingegaard. The idea of the dummy is excellent, because if you do ten tests with the athlete, they will never be truly identical. It's difficult to get them to reposition themselves perfectly in the same way. With the dummy, however, you can do this and the test becomes repeatable.
You talked about details. Which ones do you think make the biggest difference?
For me – Affini replies without hesitation – it is maintaining the position. You can do all the wind tunnel testing you want. You might find an excellent position, but if you lose your composure during the race, you lose those advantages. Not only do you have to find a position that's efficient, but also one that you can maintain while pushing. It's something we've always worked on. Let's take the issue of keeping your head "high"... You adapt your body to a position that isn't comfortable, but it's ideal.
And what state have you reached between position and materials?
I'd say good. We always have to improve and we'll see with the new position, but also with the materials and the bikes (Cervélo(Editor's note) I'm happy with them: in time trials and on the road. Both bikes are really... stable, they don't flex. And I'm a big guy, and I say so!
Let's change the subject a bit, Edoardo: how did you follow the Ganna Hour record?
I was in the hotel on the eve of the Paris-Tours race. An incredible performance. You don't think about it but it was something incredible: him and the exaggerated study that was behind it.
As a time trialist, how did you experience those 60 minutes? What was going through your mind?
I experienced it when my legs hurt! Knowing what Pippo did to get to that point and what it meant to him, we can only take our hats off. Moreover, after the controversy surrounding the World Cup, which was so mixed on a psychological level, it was a great thing. He's had plenty of breakdowns: he does this, he doesn't do that, he "leaves the national team first for his own reasons"... It wasn't easy.
Is Edoardo Affini, with his powerful physique, thinking about breaking the Hour record?
You may think about doing it – he replies after a short pause and a grimace of surprise – But a real technological plan is needed. An advanced study. It's not something you do alone. And physically, you have to make an effort that isn't possible in normal races. Especially since one-hour time trials are no longer available. The last truly long time trial was at the Yorkshire World Championships in 2019.
So you need full technical support and someone who believes in you: would Jumbo Visma be interested?
Maybe… In terms of materials, definitely. Cervélo would certainly be attracted, especially since they already have a connection with the track. And the same goes for other areas, like tires, for example. It needs to be planned very carefully throughout the season, not just because of the schedule, but also because, as Pippo said, you don't want to try too many things!
It's actually quite painful! Who do you think can beat this record?
He might succeed. Stefan Kung for its structure and because it likes challenges.
And your partner Van Aert?
I don't know if it's his ambition. He also has a cross and fitting everything in would be really complicated. Also due to the difference in effort.
You and Ganna grew up together and you even beat him: what's it like to be back among the pros?
It's a stimulus. We're the same age and we've been quarreling ever since we were students, but for now he is number one: there is little to go around. For my part, I'm always trying to improve myself.
Is the difference just in the "engine" or also in the driving? In the Turin prologue, for example, Ganna made a big difference even on the curves...
He certainly took more risks, but maybe you do certain things because you're more confident. After all, he'd already won the world championship.
Do you time trialists ever discuss technical choices before a race?
Yes, we make some comments, but we don't let them influence us. Once a choice is made, that's it. And then we more or less know what we'll use. At most, one can use a 55mm wheel and another a 60mm, for example, but we're there. The ratios, for example, are those: usually it's 58.
We know it's not an easy question to answer, but would you like to try another time trial bike? Are there any you're curious about?
As I said, I'm happy with Cervélo, our time trial bike is excellent and I wouldn't change it. But If I really had to choose another one, at this point I would say the Pinarello of Goofy.
Let's stay on the aero and time trial scene: do you ever think you could be in the quartet? People like you, Ganna, Milan... you're all "beasts." And you've done track racing in the past.
Now I believe it's neither sensible nor possible to join that close-knit group. Besides them, the juniors and under-23s are already part of that movement, as is only right. And honestly, I don't think it's my place. Plus, I made my last quartet as a junior.
But technically could you fit in?
If only it were only for a technical or mental reason, I could even agreeI have an idea of what to expect. But I don't know if I'd be able to express myself 100%. I'd have to organize my road commitments well. It's also true that you remember... Vivianiwhich was the first to demonstrate that if well calibrated, the commitments of both specialties can be reconciledBut dual-tasking isn't for everyone.
