I spent 15 mins cheering on the Bolton Ironman riders at the weekend.

The variety of positions on the bike was really surprising. Some so horizontal you could have put a tray of drinks on their back, others sitting up like they were on a shopping bike.

The one thing the majority of them had in common was that they were going slow, the course was open to cyclists and I needed to go along it for a couple of miles. I was overtaking easily at my normal 25km, especially on the short climbs.

If you have to ride that far, and run a marathon, will you be going fast enough for aero to be a big factor?

My money is on fluke 😉

The Vittorias are withput doubt the fastest tyres I have ever ridden. And some of the most fragile. Going to race them tonight in a circuit race.

I’d second moving the saddle forward if you aren’t in a UCI event. Might need a longer stem if you aren’t allowed clip ons. I’ve just bought a Profile, but a reversed Thomson lay back works fine.

And you’ll just lose time with velotoze – and have wet feet 😆 . Smart or aerocoach covers if you must. Want to really chase the gains… Tri Rig Omega or TRP T925 front brake, lace up shoes (Giro or Specialised) with Specialized Sub6 lace covers. Rule 28 Aerosox for even more watts saved.

But just start with a good position.

The variety of positions on the bike was really surprising. Some so horizontal you could have put a tray of drinks on their back, others sitting up like they were on a shopping bike.

I’ve thought this looking at some event photos – even some riding in giant flappy waterproofs – was a bit mind boggled.

If you have to ride that far, and run a marathon, will you be going fast enough for aero to be a big factor?

Given a smooth flat course and no wind I reckon 17-18mph is not unrealistic whilst preserving myself for the final run. I’ve done a couple of hilly 100mi sportives this year at 16mph basically working as a domestique for slower riders and finished up feeling fairly fresh.
So probably fast enough that aero is worth worrying about, but not exactly setting any records.

Given a smooth flat course and no wind I reckon 17-18mph is not unrealistic

Sounds credible yeah. The Bolton course is rolling with a lot of rumbly surfacing and a couple of decent hills.