Thread by @xavierdisley

So it's the elite mens @UCI_cycling TT at #Imola2020 today, over the same 31.7km course that the women rode yesterday, meaning it'll be the shortest (in terms of finishing times) mens World TT champs since it began in 1994.

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Lots of riders are in the mix for the medals, with of course Rohan Dennis as the defending champion from 2018-2019 & looking to complete the hat trick. Unlike a normal year some riders are just days away from completing the Tour de France, others days from starting the Giro

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I say shortest in terms of finishing times because 2017 in Bergen, Norway was actually 700m shorter, but finished up a hill. That year was won by @tom_dumoulin in 44:41, but the winning time today will be around the 35min mark

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With stronger winds than the women experienced yesterday, the uphill leg to the midway checkpoint will be tough and riders run the risk of overdoing it before the downhill run on the way back. There are 3 small hills to contend with right before the finish line

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Average speed will be high 40s/low 50s on the way out for the fastest riders, but with extended periods above 60kph on the return leg making for some high cadence work (and big gears) to keep the power up

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It's a TT so aerodynamics are important as always, along with good pacing, good tyres and only a small effect of rider/bike mass on the overall result

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