Are TT positions too aggressive?

Is the relentless search for aerodynamics putting riders at risk?

- Simon Smythe, Joe Baker

Gruesome images of Stefan Küng crossing the finish line with a blood-spattered skinsuit and shattered helmet after he rode G head first into the barriers at the European Championships last September provoked much debate. What should be done about the dangerous time trial position that he himself admitted caused the horror crash? Küng, who suffered a broken cheekbone, fractured hand and concussion, claimed that when riding a TT he was "basically blind... I can only see a few Simon Smythe, Joe Bakermeters ahead". It doesn't take long to cover the distance of a few metres when travelling at 60kph. Küng relied on his team car for directions, except at the Euros he hadn't received a warning, and didn't realise the course wasn't following the direction he was expecting.

The UCI has already looked at its technical regulations in an attempt to combat head-down riding, this year introducing three height categories that allow taller riders to adopt a higher hand position.

UCI in consultation

For Küng, who is 193cm tall and so was able to raise his TT extensions, crashing as he did suggests the introduction of height categories doesn't go far enough in making TT positions safe.