Cycling fans across the world are used to watching the likes of Tadej Pogacar’s electrifying performances, but one particular feature of his bike setup has piqued the curiosity of many: his use of shortened cranks. For over a year, Pogacar has been reaping the benefits of this unique adjustment, which has contributed to his astounding success in some of the sport’s most prestigious events. Now, in an intriguing twist, Wout Van Aert is stepping into the picture, seemingly looking to replicate Pogacar’s setup in an attempt to level the playing field and perhaps even seize a competitive edge for himself.

The key piece of equipment under scrutiny is the shortened cranks, a modification that has raised eyebrows in cycling circles. Though often overlooked, the crank length can significantly impact a cyclist’s power output, pedaling efficiency, and overall race performance. Shortened cranks, while not a new concept in cycling, have gained traction in recent years after Pogacar made them a signature part of his equipment. And now, it seems that Wout Van Aert, the Belgian powerhouse known for his all-around capabilities, is testing them out as well. This move, however, is no small matter, especially considering Van Aert’s team, Jumbo-Visma (also known as Visma | Lease a Bike), had previously dismissed the idea of adopting the short crank setup.

But as with all things in professional cycling, what was once deemed unnecessary or unconventional can quickly become the norm when results speak for themselves. Pogacar’s continued dominance in the sport and his comfort with the new setup have likely made Van Aert and his team reconsider their stance. After all, the question isn’t just about imitation, but rather the pursuit of improving performance—something all top cyclists are constantly striving for.

The Crank Length Debate: What’s All the Fuss About?

Before diving deeper into Van Aert’s decision to explore the shortened crank setup, it’s important to understand why this seemingly small adjustment is such a hot topic in the cycling world. The crank arm connects the pedal to the bicycle’s bottom bracket, and its length can have a profound effect on how a rider pedals and the forces they exert on the bike. Traditionally, crank lengths have varied between 165mm and 175mm, with 170mm being the most common.

Shortened cranks—typically around 150mm to 160mm in length—are considered to offer certain advantages, particularly for riders who are looking to optimize their cadence and reduce muscle fatigue. Shorter cranks can lead to a higher pedal cadence, allowing riders to spin the pedals faster without straining their muscles as much. This is crucial during climbs and in time trial situations where maintaining a high cadence is beneficial.

Tadej Pogacar, the two-time Tour de France champion, was one of the first high-profile riders to embrace this setup in a competitive context. Pogacar’s success with shorter cranks—especially during his stellar performances in the Tour de France and other one-day races—has not gone unnoticed. His victory in the 2021 Tour de France, where his impressive climbing abilities and consistent time trial performances captivated fans and critics alike, was partly attributed to the customized bike setup he was riding. His use of shorter cranks was heralded as a potential game-changer, offering him an edge in both efficiency and aerodynamics.

Van Aert’s Unexpected Move: Testing the Waters

Despite previously stating that they would not be adopting the shorter crank setup, Jumbo-Visma now seems to be having a change of heart. Wout Van Aert, the Belgian rider with immense versatility who has excelled in everything from cyclocross to the classics and Grand Tours, has started to experiment with the setup, testing the waters with his own bike configuration in the hopes of finding the same magic that Pogacar seems to have unlocked.

But why the sudden shift in strategy for Van Aert? Is it really just a case of trying to emulate Pogacar’s success, or is there more at play here?

In the world of professional cycling, the pressure to innovate and stay ahead of the competition is immense. Every small tweak to a rider’s equipment, training, and nutrition can make a world of difference when it comes to winning a stage, a race, or an entire Grand Tour. Van Aert, whose reputation has steadily grown since his 2020 breakthrough performances, is known for his keen sense of adapting to new challenges. He has made significant strides in time trials, where his raw power and ability to sustain high efforts over long distances have allowed him to compete against the best. Could the shortened cranks offer him even more of an advantage in those high-stakes races? Time will tell.

Van Aert’s move to experiment with shortened cranks is notable for another reason. It’s not simply about adopting a new piece of equipment; it’s about creating a balance between scientific innovation and personal comfort. While Pogacar has made the setup work for him, it’s not guaranteed that the same benefits will transfer directly to Van Aert. The two riders have different body types, riding styles, and preferences, which will likely influence how the cranks perform for each rider.

Visma | Lease a Bike’s Shift in Philosophy

The larger context of Van Aert’s secret tests is the change in philosophy within his team, Jumbo-Visma. The team, known for its highly data-driven approach to cycling, had previously dismissed the use of shortened cranks. When the discussion around cranks came up, the team had maintained that their current setup, using standard cranks, was optimal for their riders. They saw no immediate need to explore the new trend, perhaps believing that the marginal gains of shortened cranks were not worth the risk of deviating from a trusted formula.

But with the growing success of Pogacar, as well as the increasing availability of data supporting the benefits of short cranks, it appears that Jumbo-Visma has had a change of heart. Reports suggest that Van Aert, in collaboration with his team, has been testing various configurations, including the use of shortened cranks, in a private, low-key manner. It’s a classic move in cycling, where innovations are often kept under wraps until they’re proven successful—especially when a rider of Van Aert’s caliber is involved.

The shift in attitude from Visma | Lease a Bike speaks to the adaptive nature of the sport. While cycling teams were once hesitant to make drastic changes to their equipment, the rapidly evolving technology and success stories from riders like Pogacar have forced teams to reconsider their approaches. If something works for a rider at the top of the sport, other teams and riders are going to take notice and test it themselves.

The Road Ahead: Will Shortened Cranks Give Van Aert the Edge?

As Wout Van Aert continues to explore the possibilities of shortened cranks, the cycling world will be watching closely. Will this adjustment provide him with the same advantages that Pogacar has enjoyed over the past year? Will it unlock an even greater level of performance for the Belgian powerhouse? Only time will tell.

One thing is for certain: innovation and experimentation are crucial in modern cycling, and Van Aert’s willingness to test out new setups shows that he is committed to finding every possible edge in his quest for victory. Whether or not the shortened cranks turn out to be the key to unlocking a new level of success for Van Aert, his willingness to embrace change is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the sport.

For cycling fans, the story of Wout Van Aert’s secretive trials with shortened cranks is just the latest chapter in the ongoing battle for dominance in the world of professional cycling. And who knows—this may just be the beginning of a new trend in the sport, with more and more riders looking to take a page from Pogacar’s book in search of the next big breakthrough.