We've all seen the 'Speed Sniffer' head tube on the Specialized Tarmac SL8, a pointier take on the classic head tube for purported aero gains... well, now we've got a literal one, as Dylan Groenewegen of Jayco–AlUla has been spotted wearing a radical new pair of Scicon aero sunglasses with a pointy 'beak' covering most of his nose for extra aero gains in today's Tour de France sprint stage. How many watts would you need to save to switch to an aero beak?
Riders often do radical things in the search of aero gains, and this isn't the first time we've seen Groenewegn test some new tech. Last season, Groenewegen won at the Saudi Tour whilst using an aero cover over his Giant Pursuit helmet. The downside of this lid, as far as we can tell, is that it doesn't look very breathable.
> Has aero gone too far in cycling?
However, Groenewegen's latest solution won't impede the breeze through his hair but does have other downsides, as pointed out on social media among other less favourable comments: "This is getting ridiculous", "It's a bird" and "Batmaaaaaan" being some of the highlights so far.
This isn't the first time that brands have turned to glasses in search of aerodynamic benefits. For example, POC released their aero £230 Propel sunglasses last year, and we didn't dislike them at all!
We have only seen Groenewegen wearing these so far, and since he is the team's sprinter, we assume this is for aerodynamic reasons; although, some have pointed out that it could also provide some extra sun protection around the hooter area.
The 'beak' appears to be an add-on to Scicon's Aeroscope sunglasses, but without a closer inspection, we are unsure whether this nose piece will fit on to other Scicon glasses.
At least the team see the funny side to it!
What are your thoughts on these new sunglasses? How many stages will Groenewegen have to win for this not to look silly? Let us know in the comments section below...
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15 comments
And the beak is back.
I can see why he'd want to get a nose ahead. At least he won't need a hooter to let peple know he's there.
He didn't even finish with the abomination on his nose 🤷🏻♂️
Could it be sun protection?
Riders' noses are exposed to UV all day and post-race photos show many are quite red.
Could well have been, but it isn't.
He said himself in a pre race interview that he had it made for aero gains.
Sounds nebulous.
Snout funny about it.
Alright, no need to get snotty.
It's just a misunderstanding - after his ban, and then being penalised for his sprint in a recent race, he was told he needs to keep his nose clean...
I'm guessing the UCI will ban it shortly and the team and Scicon know this, but they can get some noce free publicity for a day or so.
Not really convinced it would be that confortable either.
Are they really that much different from the Oakleys that Cavendish et al wear?
I think it is. Oakley's have a nose piece that is both much smaller, and also an integrated part of the frame. On Dylan's glasses it is literally an afterthought, and much bigger. It's an added fairing, purely for aero gains, the nosepiece of the Oackley's is just one of their usual fancy designs.
Probably a UCI promotion to stop riders clearing their noses in the peloton
Looks like some 3D printed hack. Possibly a marketing hack... which clearly has worked.
Steel is real: