ITU World Triathlon Series

Video tip-Cycling with Brad Kahlefeldt

01 May 2009

Commonwealth Games Champion Brad Kahlefeldt took time out from training for this weekend’s Dextro Energy Triathlon - ITU World Championship race to talk us through his bike, the setup he uses and the tactics found within draft legal racing. Watch the video below.

As athletes travel all over the world to compete they must take their bikes with them, constantly unpacking and repacking them as they move from race to race and airport to airport. Spare tyres and wheels are also taken from race to race depending on road and wind conditions.

The bikes have to be set up exactly to the athlete’s personal requirements. Brad picked up a hip injury in 2008 and so rides with a slightly lowered saddle to take pressure away from his pelvis. He also customises his cycling shoes to allow for a 2cm difference between his right and left leg lengths.

During a drafting race athletes compete side by side, moving as a pack throughout the course. Brad develops his technique by taking part in cycling competitions allowing him to practice positioning and cornering.

Occasionally accidents do happen, and in 2007 Brad found himself flying over the bike and body of Will Clarke at the Madrid World Cup following a wheel failure for the British athlete. Despite a hurt wrist and bruised knee the tough Aussie was back competing two weeks later.