I just saw a short bit about this on Pez Cycling News. Prior to the Tour of California, the Phonak team is testing riders in a wind tunnel for the very first time. Over the course of three days, Floyd Landis, Santiago Botero, and Miguel Angel Perdiguero are pedaling in the San Diego low speed wind tunnel to optimize positioning and chose components, clothing, and helmets that minimize drag. The article doesn’t mention it, but it will be interesting to see if the test results also influence the design of the next generation BMC time trial bikes.

We’ll see if the testing pays off in Sunday’s prologue. I wish I could get out there and see it in person.

Photo from the BMC website.