The Roadman Cycling Podcast How Motorbikes Are Changing Cycling Race Results
Jul 30, 2025
Professional cycling faces a surprising challenge: motorbikes! These vehicles create powerful slipstreams that significantly alter race outcomes, raising questions about fairness. Historical incidents, like those during the Tour de France and the Ghent Velgum, reveal how teams exploit these advantages. Riders express concerns about current regulations and the effectiveness of penalties for drafting. As technology evolves, the sport grapples with maintaining integrity while exploring innovative solutions to level the playing field.
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Motor Drafting's Hidden Power
- Motor drafting by TV motorcycles is the biggest unseen unfair advantage in pro cycling today.
- It changes race outcomes by giving riders a significant aerodynamic boost that doping can't match.
Wellens-Simmons Tour Debate
- On Stage 15 of the 2025 Tour de France, Tim Wellens won a breakaway aided by a TV moto slipstream.
- Quinn Simmons loudly criticized the motorbike's role, sparking controversy on race fairness.
Scientific Proof of Moto Slipstream
- Wind tunnel tests show motorbikes can reduce rider drag by almost half when just 2 meters ahead.
- This effect can translate to a 14-second advantage per minute at race speeds — a massive gain.