ESTour de France TIME Pedal Primer
What to know about TIME Pedals at the men’s and women’s Tour de France
Thorsten Wilhelms knows something about TIME pedals. In 1992, Greg LeMond gave Thorsten his first set of TIME pedals at the Tour DuPont. Then a young cyclist, Thorsten was struggling with knee pain, and the American legend offered the perfect fix: TIME pedals.
Now, more than three decades later, Thorsten—based in Germany, part of the SRAM Racing tech team—is educating pro cyclists on the benefits of TIME pedals. We tracked down Thorsten to ask him about TIME’s presence at this year’s Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes. TIME is already rekindling its success in the men's race with a brilliant sprint victory in Stage 8 by Mads Pedersen. Read our interview with Thorsten below:
How many teams will ride TIME Pedals at the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes?
For the men, Lidl-Trek. For the women, Lidl-Trek, Canyon//SRAM Racing, and SD Worx.
The flat surface of TIME pedals is very welcomed by the riders. The pedal provides the best power transfer. Athletes prefer the stable fit of TIME pedals.
–Thorsten Wilhelms, SRAM Senior Race Technician and former pro racer
How important are pedal ergonomics for riders in a three-week race like the Tour de France where riders are on the bike for hours, day after day? Do teams take extra measures to ensure riders have their best bike fit, right down to considerations like Q-Factor and float/no float?
The option for fixed or float cleats is coming from the riders themselves. All pro teams have bio- and ergonomic-measurements, as well as wind-tunnel and position specialist to improve riders’ performance and to help prevent rider knee pain. Some teams and athletes are using custom insoles.
How often do pro riders typically switch out to new road cleats?
It’s different depending on the rider, but before the season and between one or more time, some athletes more often. Some use just one set for the season. Training shoes are more used than race shoes. Mads Pedersen has 15 pairs of race shoes for the season. Jasper Stuyven 10 pairs of shoes for the season.
Is replacing cleats generally something that the rider keeps track of his or herself?
Yes, but also the mechanics checking cleats, if possible.
How important is pedal weight to the pros?
TIME pedals are the lightest in the peloton. Teams are looking for lightest shoes and pedals just as they are looking for light wheels for uphill. Since the pedals are in near constant circulation, pedal weight is significant.
Are the spare bikes on the team car equipped with pedals set up to the rider’s preferences?
Every athlete has two spare bikes, one for the first service car and one for the second. Leaders have their bike outside of the bike rack, where it takes less time to grab. Team workers/domestique have their bike in the middle of the rack.
Do the “jumper” mechanics in the team car carry spare pedals? How often is it they would have to swap pedals roadside?
Team cars have the pedals on the spare bikes. Neutral service cars have different spare pedals on their spare bikes and have replacement pedals in the car. Pro riders always try to get their spare bike from the team cars. Neutral support, while greatly appreciated, is the option if the team car is not available or the gap is too small to get the team cars between breakaway and field.
TIME pedals had an incredible 11 victories in the Tour de France, starting in 1988 with Pedro Delgado and continuing with legendary riders like Greg LeMond and Miguel Indurain. TIME is back in the men’s Tour de France for the first time in some years, while building its presence with the top teams in the women’s Tour. What does it mean for TIME to be back at both Tours?
TIME is such a traditional-rich brand as we’ve seen over the last 30-plus years. It was the pedal with the first and perfect float for riders with knee pain. TIME is back with such a light pedal with all benefits, and the brand is still deep in the heads of athletes who grew up with these idols you mentioned above. In fact, many of today’s riders were not yet born when TIME began this tradition!
Top and bottom photos © @GettySport
Middle photos © @dankingphoto_