Simon Richardson: I just had a phone call from Hank, who has been telling me that he's just been
annihilated by Manon in a race around Castle Combe Racetrack. Annihilate might have been my word,
but still-- Anyway, he was riding a road bike, Manon was riding a recumbent bike. His suggestion,
I'll just jumped in the car with a time trial bike on the roof to see if we have finally
found a match for it. Oh yes, you will remember that a time trial bike has dispatched four road
riders working together. Three and a half road riders working together, but either way,
we know from it the value of aerodynamics. The thing here, though, is that recumbent
is even more aerodynamic than a time trial bike. However, it's much harder to put out as much power
in a recumbent, certainly for a road rider because we're just not used to sitting in that position.
Will the added power that you can get out on a TT bike offset the improvements of a recumbent bike?
We're going to find out pretty quick. [music]
Where is Manon anyway?
There she is, check you out. Manon: All right, Si? Cool, isn't it?
Simon: It's very cool. Manon: You're finished, Richardson.
This is the Milan SL, the fastest velomobile money can buy. It is record-breaking, and this
is the perfect machine for me to annihilate Simon with. Comes in at a weight of 24 kilos. We've got
20-inch front wheels and the 26-inch rear wheels. It's got a massive 62-tooth chain
ring on the front and a 42 little ring. It's going to be the perfect gear for me to just
put all the watts away and wave goodbye to Simon. Just an example of how quick this actually is,
I only have to do 160 watts to go 50 kilometers an hour. What have you got to do, Si?
Simon: 300 and something? Manon: [laughs]
Simon: I am once again riding GCN's Orbea Ordu TT bike. Now you might be quite familiar with
this by now. It has been victorious in two versus one. Oh, this is my aero dance. Three versus one.
Ho ho ho. Four versus one. 12 minutes 59, there was two seconds in it. Unfortunately, it didn't
manage to beat pro on a road bike in the amateur on a TT bike vid. Anyway,
we'll draw a line over that one. Now, it isn't fully optimized. I've
only got 55 mil deep wheels on here and not a full-blown disc and a deep section front wheel,
but crucially it forces me, the rider, into an optimal aerodynamic position. I've also got my
Giro TT helmet. What I'm not going to do today, though, is slip into a skin suit because it's
absolutely freezing. I'm willing to sacrifice a few watts just so that I don't get hypothermia.
Manon: Si, you ready? Simon: I'm ready.
Manon: Three. Two. One. Go. Is that all you got? Simon: Come on.
[breaths heavily]
Oh man. Tell you what, it's nice doing the TT on smooth tarmac for once. You saw those crappy lanes
we go down in the two versus one? I just confirmed that.
Even better fun if I win. Keep finger crossed. Manon: I know what time Simon did and I think I
can beat him. I've had a bit more practice in the recumbent now than when I went up against Hank in
the road bike. It's going to be all down to the technique. I reckon I can go about a little bit
faster around the corners, that's probably where I was lacking before. Yes, I think it's doable.
It's probably the biggest race in my career, this. Simon: Are you okay, Manon?
Manon: I'm good. Simon: You ready?
Manon: Ready. Simon: Three. Two. One. Go.
Manon: Look at the speed. Legs are burning already.
[breaths heavily]
Oh my God. Simon: You did it?
Manon:
No. I don't think I did. I really much need a rematch. I can do better than that.
Simon: Manon, what was my time? Manon: 3:55.
Simon: 3:55. Manon: You're happy with that?
Simon: Yes, I'm quite happy with that, yes. Manon: Break it to me, what time did I do?
Simon: 3:59. Manon: Oh, so close.
Simon: Oh, sorry, Manon. How was it? Manon: I was improving every time.
Simon: Yes, it's fair, you shaped some time off. Manon: I just need a few more practices
and I think have it nailed. Simon: How was it that time around?
Manon: Still a lot of room for improvement. I think I still had my cranks a little bit too long,
so I'd come in a bit more power like that. I still got a little bit scared on the corners.
I need to trust it a bit more. Simon: I'm up for a rematch,
Manon, anytime. If you want to bring someone else, maybe two of you take on one of me-
Manon: That's cheat. Simon: -that's absolutely fine
as well, so, yes, until next time. Manon: One day we'll have you.
Simon: That thing is a serious machine as hell. Fair play, and you look cool in it as well.
Manon: Oh thanks. Simon: It's all right. Anyway, I hope you
have enjoyed this video as much as we have making it. If you have, please give it a big thumbs up.
Manon: If you have any other suggestions on how we can beat Si,
please leave them in the comment section below. Simon: I think measuring ankle diameter is
probably a sure far way of getting me. [00:08:01] [END OF AUDIO]