We interrupt this Blog for a techno-post.

Paul pointed out some basic differences in set-up between Simon's and the other rider's set-ups. Here is a bit more detail on some of the smaller points of difference for the guys currently sitting in the first five.

• John Nobile. Fully faired. Suspended both ends. Cant tell if he is 29er or standard!
• Rainer Lenninge. Hard-tail. Not at all aero, possibly standard 26 inch wheels?
• Carl Hutchings. Hard-tail. Maybe a 29er? Where did he get those legs! Suspension post.
• Jen Hopkins. Clean lines. Hardtail, no nonsense rig 69er. No visible aeros. And a single speed !
• Simon Kennett. Rigid all round. 69er. Clean lines.

Some observations. While preparing for this event Simon did a lot of research.
I am pretty sure he told me that a full suspension bike had never finished the event before, and even front suspension could be a liability. Hence his choice of a fully rigid rig.

Its interesting to note that three fullies lined up at the start of the event. Its barely half way, but the guy currently out front is sporting a fully with a full aero set-up. Some people think that aero-ness only makes a difference at high speeds, but this is not the case. Could this be the start of a new trend in these type of events?

Jeff