Right for the first time Ive seen the race footage of Rachel Atherton and Tracy Mosley in the down hill. Atherton very publicly slammed skin suits and made a big deal of it but, she was beaten by 2-3 second skin suits make no where near that on a 2km course not a chance (unless your trailing a spinnaker)
is it a case of a bad loser? I must add I think both Atherton and Mosley are amazing riders I i would love to have a tenth of their skill level, but having seen the race and the post race interview I am sure it was a mind game.
I would say that on a not-very-technical, open, fast course, a skin suit probably would make more than 2 seconds difference without any trouble.
The vast majority of effort on a bike is overcoming wind resistance, baggy clothing makes a huge difference.
i'd agree. On my commute, if its raining, i've got a slightly baggy jacket I wear. If its just cold, then i have a tightish fitting cycle jacket. The difference in wind resistance even on the flat is very noticable in terms of the work rate needed.
Personally , I dont see the issue with skin suits ... its all just part of the technology. Its a bit like slamming a 7" fork when your running a 6" one. At the end of the day, if someone gets down the hill faster, then they've used a bit more skill too to keep it on the track when going faster. Sounds like poor loser to me.
It's a competition. Therefore you use every legal advantage to win.
Fine, if it's some wicked phat phreeride stylings, wear what you like. But if it's competition, you wear what will make you win.