The Sebastian Kienle aero testing
A great champion does not rest on laurels but continuously chases improvements. The 2014 GoPro Ironman World Champion Sebastian Kienle recently went back to the Velodrome in Aigle, Switzerland with sponsor Scott to work on that aero advantage. For a professional athlete having a sponsor who supports and assists with such activities is the basis of a great relationship and the key to success.
"We test in the wind tunnel and on the track. Often we test once or twice on the track in Aigle, Switzerland to try out a few things which we then later check out in the wind tunnel. The advantage of the track is that it is closer to reality in terms of position," said Kienle to slowtwitch. "You have to push hard to be riding at 43-46km/h and you will realize fast if it is a position for the real world. You also have more time and less support staff is required. In the wind tunnel you can of course also test at yaw. Thus for me the best solution is a combination of both worlds. Another important topic is my position. My current position is not bad, but with a few small changes advances can be made."
He also added. " We always test together with Lars Teutenberg who is not only a big expert in theory, but personally knows very well how certain positions feel on the bike. He has been to Hawaii too and rode the course last year."
Sebastian Kienle on the track in Aigle with full focus on the task ahead.
For Sebastian Kienle this was a relatively easy drive from his home in Germany.
In addition to Sebastian Kienle fellow Scott sponsored pro triathlete Maurice Clavel was also there to do some testing. Both athletes are coached by Lubos Bilek.
The retired accomplished cyclist Lars Teutenberg now works for Scott and he made some adjustments to Kienle's bike between sets.
Looking at the data is important to the athlete, the coach and of course the sponsor.
A few words from coach Lubos Bilek for the 2014 Ironman World Champion.
Yes, that man.
When Sebastian Kienle still has his Kona number on his bike it then is fine for you to do the same.
Kienle has a very close relationship with Zipp, SRAM and Continental tires.
Time for a little snack and reading what is new on slowtwitch.com.
Time for Maurice Clavel to step it up.
Kienle now back on the throttle.
The signs of the hard efforts begin to show. Something that is underestimated by many.
A happy Sebastian Kienle after a long day in Aigle.
All images © Hannes Hawaii Tours
