With two time trials, the Tour 2024 has once again given a certain prominence to the beautiful discipline of the fight against the passing of time. It is a reality that brings back the importance of technology and care in every detail, from the bicycle to the helmet, including, of course, the clothing.
To begin with, we would like to point out the three premises on which any time trial piece is based. In the words of Samuel Bellenque, head of performance at Team Cofidis, these three cornerstones are clear: "The suit must be adapted to the 100% to the cyclist's body, a perfect fit, aerodynamics is crucial, through the channelling of air flows and, finally, the correct ventilation to keep the cyclist's temperature optimal".
The technician's vision is complemented by the cyclist's own. "We want it to be aerodynamic, but above all we want it to be comfortable enough to allow you to perform. We have to be folded on the bike and in that position we have to ride as fast as possible, so comfort is important, almost as important as aerodynamics".
That's what Ion Izagirre says, and he adds: "That it should fit, that you put it on and you won't be able to see or perceive a single wrinkle".
Every seam, every finish counts.
This is Mobel's most detailed, perfect and best-finished garment, in a fight in which every second counts in the final balance of the day.
The full time trial suit that Mobel has designed for Team Cofidis is a blend of technology and research. The 100% is composed of high performance materials that minimise wind resistance, with different fabrics depending on the area of the overall.
With a high degree of adjustment in areas such as the leg and high level of compression, while allowing elasticity in areas that need mobility and range of motion, such as the chest and in the diaphragm area to improve breathing.
Aerodynamics, and thus performance, is the concept that is carried through to almost every part of the suit. The zip, for example, is front and invisible, the sleeves are long and designed to reduce wind friction, but at the same time feel cool with their ribbed texture.
Both sleeves and leg are laser-cut so that the sleeves and leg are no seams create wind resistance. The integration is completed by the back, with a sort of central band running lengthwise following the end of the hull.
Ion Izagirre, feelings on the road
After the first time trial of the Tour 2024, Ion Izagirre left us several notes. "I admit that it wasn't my best time trial, my physical condition wasn't optimal, but I did enjoy some of the performances that we want from a piece like this, that perfectly adjusts to our position on the bike and that it is comfortable.
For Ion Izagirre, "the fact that the radio is attached to the chest instead of the back is more comfortable and I like the fact that the number can be stored and is visible in the back pocket. You feel attached to the bike and you gain aerodynamic points".
Mobel's vision
"The time trial is always one of the most difficult specialities in cycling and where the material is of vital importance to gain seconds. It was a tremendous challenge for us and so far it is the most complex garment developed by Mobel, and curiously it is the garment that we have received the best feedback from the whole team since the first tests and competitions", commented the brand.
This Sunday, between Monaco and Nice, the Tour 2024 will come to an end with a time trial in which Team Cofidis will once again bring out the Mobel CRI overalls on the routes of the best race in the world.
