On a ride through cycling’s past, it’s impossible not to notice the physical diversity among competitors. In bicycle competitions, monotony is shattered by the disparity in heights and body types, making each cyclist a unique piece on this wheel-based board.
However, cyclists of colossal stature are true rarities, a unique species on the asphalt. In a study conducted during a cycling event in 2017, it was evident that the average height of cyclists was 1.80m.
Yet, there are those who surpass these celestial limits. Do you know the professional cyclist who reaches stratospheric heights? None other than Conor Dunne, a giant on two wheels standing at an impressive 2.04m.
Shining on the pedals, he clinched the title of Irish champion in 2018, etching his name on trails and roads. In a remarkable feat, he participated for the second time in the Giro d’Italia in the same year.
For Vitus, Dunne’s fearless sponsor, the challenge was immense. Creating a size 62 frame was the answer to accommodate this cyclist of epic dimensions. A measure that goes beyond the standard, much like the athlete himself.
A UCI maintains a list of the tallest riders.
But why does the UCI, the international cycling governing body, keep a dedicated list of cycling “giants”? The answer lies in aerodynamic subtleties and equipment regulations. Cyclists taller than 1.90m enjoy a slightly more generous margin in their positions.
The game is related to regulations that limit the reach on aerodynamic extension bars, stipulating that the horizontal distance between the center of the bottom bracket and the ends of the bars should not exceed 75 cm for most cyclists. However, those who stand out in height have their own privilege, being able to extend their bars up to 85 cm, providing a unique aerodynamic advantage.