Dominic Geoghegan, Whoop UCI MTB World Series
The short track XC at the Nové Město World Cup has seen aero wheels make a debut in mountain bike racing. With long sections of the course being straight and paved with average speeds over 30 km/h, bringing a sizeable aero factor into play.
Two teams – Cannondale Factory Racing and Origine Racing – had deep-section wheels available, although not all riders on the teams chose to take the aero advantage. I chatted to riders and mechanics to get the lowdown on why they made the choices they did.
Origine Racing had the option of the Enve G SES 4.9; they coupled this with a 2.4-inch Michelin prototype tyre with almost a file tread. I spoke with two riders, the first being Martina Berta of Italy, who chose the aero wheels.