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| Eddy Merckx adopted seems remarkably conservative by modern standards, with relatively low saddle height and little saddle to bar drop. By bending his arms to 90degree angle, the Belgian was able to get low enough. Photo 1974 |
The Molteni team's orange color is built by Ugo De Rosa who took over frame building duties from Ernesto Colnago after Merkcx's hour record was set in 1972.
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| "Made from drillium" Nuovo Record Groupset. Photo 1974 |
Reynolds 531 tubing was butted to be thicker at the ends to cope with the heat of brazing. Cable guides and gear lever mounts were strapped to the main tubes.
Although a quarter century has passed, the weight of Merckx's bike is still respectable, giving away around 2kg to a modern bike on the UCI's limit of 6.8kg. (Due to the light alloy tubular rims and intricately drilled Nuovo Record components).
INSIDE THE "MUSETTE"
On each stage of the tour, riders are handed mussettes by signeurs who await the peloton in designated feed zones.
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| Note the Extran citrus drink. Photo 1994 |
The contents are quite similar to almost 20years ago. The Motorola team gave each rider a choice of Nutri-grain bars, water, a banana, and some bread rolls. The Extran citrus drink is actually a sporting version of the product used in hospitals to revive dehyrated or malnourished patients.
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| Cliff anyone? Photo 2008 |
In 2008, the Garmin team recieves a greater variety of energy foods that are designed to be more easily digest than a bread roll or muesli bar. Cliff provides energy bar and shots, and Cliff's Kid Z (Sutton's to die for). The rest of the bag is filled with water bottles, a can of coke, and the mysterious foil packets (rice cakes?).
The team bottles have a black lid and white lid. Usually, the black has an electrolyte mix in it and the white is just plain water.
Source: Ride Edisi Aussie
