While André Greipel captured the Maglia Rosa in spectacular sprinting fashion this past weekend, one of his key lieutenants continues to go against the proverbial grain in order to maximise his leadout duties. Yes, Adam Hansen might be in the midst of the 2017 Giro d' Italia (and his umpteenth Grand Tour) but the Australian (or is he Czech?) strongman sets the standard as far as extreme bike positioning goes.
"The UCI rule is there for a reason," says Adam of the saddle setback regulation. "It's advantage to be sit further forward on the bike as you can get really 'aero."
One look at the Lotto-Soudal domestique's bike confirms that he certainly is forward-thinking, pun intended of course. His long handlebar stem is slammed right down plus he is right on the regulated limit as far as saddle position and tilt is concerned. Adam's saddle falls exactly 5cm behind the bottom bracket and tilts downward in such a way that could make many a time-trialling aficionado or tri-geek salivate.
And while sitting so far forward certainly has its aerodynamic advantages, it could also require the constant chiropractic care. Not so, says the savvy Australian, who provides further ergonomic insight.
"Driving a leadout train means a rider needs to get as 'aero as possible without sacrificing power," he explains using his hands to demonstrate. "By sitting further forward, the angle between a rider's torso and hip flexor opens up. This wider angle produces more power and all the while staying low and efficient.
"I think it's just better overall."
