The BikeRadar Podcast

Dan Bigham on the future of road cycling tech and how to make pro racing safer

Dec 23, 2024

Dan Bigham, Head of Engineering at Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe and former Ineos Grenadiers expert, dives into the future of road cycling tech. He discusses lingering aerodynamic possibilities and emphasizes the urgent need for safer racing conditions. Bigham advocates for heavier bikes and innovative designs to enhance rider protection. They also debate the feasibility of breaking the UCI Hour Record and explore how cycling media can better clarify complex tech topics for fans. Insights from the intersection of safety, performance, and technology are at the forefront.

44:58

Episode guests

Dan Bigham

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The podcast underscores the importance of unique bike setups and progressive approaches to aerodynamics in enhancing cycling performance.

Safety in professional cycling is emphasized as a critical issue, advocating for improved protocols rather than merely reducing speeds during races.

Deep dives

Future Aero Tech Trends

The discussion highlights anticipated trends in bicycle aerodynamics leading up to 2025. Significant changes are expected as more riders experiment with unconventional setups, such as shorter crank lengths, evidenced by Tadej Pogačar's switch to 165mm cranks. This open-mindedness toward optimization reflects a broader willingness among cyclists to deviate from traditional standards in search of performance gains. As the pro peloton becomes increasingly progressive, unique setups tailored to specific races and conditions are likely to emerge, pushing the boundaries of what is considered optimal in cycling.

Intro

2min

Aerodynamics in Cycling: Past, Present, and Future

8min

Exploring the Intersection of Tire Technology and Performance in Cycling

4min

Safety on Two Wheels: Rethinking Cycling Risks

11min

The High Stakes of Elite Cycling

11min

Navigating Media Challenges in Cycling Performance

5min

With the 2025 WorldTour season just around the corner, Liam and Simon are joined by Dan Bigham, Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe’s head of engineering, to discuss what the big tech trends might be.

Starting with the question of whether there’s any low hanging aero fruit left to pick, the conversation moves onto the ongoing controversy over the relationship between speed and safety in professional bike racing.

The trio then discuss the UCI Hour Record, whether breaking the 60km mark is possible and how it could be done.

Wrapping up, Liam and Simon turn the lens on themselves and ask whether Dan thinks there’s anything cycling media could do to help audiences understand complicated topics and cut through marketing claims.