Evenepoel goes big on gearing in UAE Tour time trial as Dan Bigham says riders 'don’t understand how gearing works'

One of the people who will follow the ride closely is Dan Bigham, Head of Engineering at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, and one of the most influential technical minds in time trial performance. 

Bigham came through the sport as an elite track rider and held the world hour record in 2022, before later helping Filippo Ganna prepare to take it back. He also worked in Formula 1, in the aerodynamics group at Mercedes AMG Petronas, but said to Het Nieuwsblad cycling ended up being the better playground for an engineer. “In cycling, the laws of physics are much more clearly at play.”

Bigham described his role in plain terms. “The simplest way to explain my job is that I try to make riders go faster without them having to work harder.” That includes aerodynamic testing, clothing choices, tyres, pacing strategy and drivetrain selection, with an eye on what can be tailored to an individual rider.

Evenepoel, he said, is the kind of rider engineers want, because he engages with the process. “He’s a great guy. Open minded, progressive, and motivated. In the wind tunnel he is always willing to try new things.” 

Bigham sees that attitude as part of why Evenepoel has continued to improve, even after reaching the top. “There is always more. That’s the name of the game.”

A key change this season is the switch to SRAM, which according to Bigham opens up a wide range of gear combinations for specific courses. “We can choose from about twenty chainrings and five cassette options,” he said, pointing to a set up that can be tuned with unusual precision. 

He adds that the team uses simulation tools developed with input from Red Bull’s Formula 1 department to predict speed profiles and power distribution, helping decide the optimal combination for a given day.

That takes the conversation to chainring size. Bigham pushes back on the idea that a big ring is a show of strength. 

“I’m a fan of the fastest option, and usually that is a big chainring,” he said. “A lot of riders don’t understand how gearing works.” His case is about drivetrain efficiency: a straighter chainline more of the time, and smaller angles as the chain engages the teeth, both intended to reduce losses.

For today, he expects Evenepoel to be on the largest option available. “In principle, a 68, the biggest we have.” 

Even if it looks intimidating, Bigham insists it should not be. “People think you need a lot of confidence to start with that kind of gear, but that’s nonsense. You just need to trust the science.” 

Evenepoel will already be the fifth rider leaving the ramp at 12:54 (GMT+4), while leader Isaac del Toro is the final starter at 15:14. This means it could be a long afternoon in the hot seat for the Belgian triple world champion in the time trial discipline.