Jarno Widar wins Giro d’Italia Next Gen: a biomechanical success story
At Bikefit Van Staeyen, we have had the pleasure of working with many promising cyclists, but few have shown the remarkable trajectory of Jarno Widar. Over the past few years, we have had the privilege of guiding Jarno on his journey to becoming one of Belgium's most promising climbing talents. This blog delves into the biomechanical adjustments and recommendations that have played a pivotal role in his success.
Understanding Jarno's biomechanical profile
From the beginning, it was clear that Jarno had immense potential. However, like many cyclists, he exhibited certain biomechanical asymmetries that needed addressing to optimize his performance and prevent injuries. Our approach was multi-faceted, integrating both biomechanical analysis and osteopathic principles.
During our initial assessments, we identified several key asymmetries in Jarno's posture and pedaling technique. These included:
Pelvic Rotation: A slight anterior tilt on one side, affecting his overall balance and power distribution.
Leg Length Discrepancy: Although subtle, this discrepancy had significant implications for his pedaling efficiency and saddle comfort. Jarno did not know he had a leg length discrepancy. We therefore advised him to do an RX Full Leg scan at the hospital in which we could identify these subtle differences.
Spinal Alignment: Minor deviations in spinal curvature that could lead to discomfort and inefficiency, especially during long climbs.
Analyzing the body holistically, beyond just the bike setup, is crucial for optimizing performance. In Jarno's case, addressing biomechanical asymmetries and refining his overall posture not only enhanced his comfort but also unlocked his full potential as a cyclist.
Kevin Van Staeyen - Bikefit Van Staeyen
Corrective Measures
Saddle Adjustment
Negative Tilt Testing: We changed his saddle height during winter times and experimented with his saddle setback and a negative tilt during the Alpes Isère Tour, where he could win the general classification. This adjustment aimed to improve Jarno's pelvic rotation and overall comfort, ultimately proving successful as evidenced by his performance in the Giro d’Italia U23.
Cleat Positioning
Precise adjustments to Jarno's cleat positioning helped to balance his leg length discrepancy and improve his power transfer. This in combination with some tweaks and stability in his Nimbl shoes.
Postural Training
Jarno incorporated specific exercises to enhance Jarno's core stability and correct his spinal alignment. This training was crucial in ensuring that his upper body remained stable, especially during intense climbing efforts.
Bike Position Optimization
Both his road and time trial bikes were meticulously adjusted to suit his unique biomechanics. We focused on optimizing his reach, handlebar height, and saddle position to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort.
The results: A season of success
Jarno's first year as a U23 rider has been nothing short of spectacular. His wins in the Ronde van Limburg, the Alpes Isère Tour and the Giro d’Italia U23 Next Gen, including several stage victories, are a testament to his hard work and the effectiveness of our biomechanical interventions.
Jarno Widar's journey highlights the importance of a comprehensive and individualized approach to bikefitting. At Bikefit Van Staeyen, we pride ourselves on combining biomechanical expertise with osteopathic knowledge to provide our athletes with the best possible support. Jarno's achievements are a proud reflection of our commitment to excellence.
As Jarno continues to develop and compete, we look forward to supporting him in reaching even greater heights. His story is a powerful reminder of the impact that precise biomechanical adjustments can have on a cyclist's career.
