Scot wins Chrono des Nations without rear brake

[avanti]

David Millar (Garmin-Transitions) broke the course record in winning the Chrono des Nations on Sunday and revealed afterwards that one of the secrets of his success was riding without a rear brake.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/millar-ends-season-in-best-time-trialling-form-of-his-career

If true this is contrary to UCI rules.

Could he be disqualified?

Or did he mean he never used his rear brake?

 

[For The World]

It's highly possible that he could have ridden on a bike with a fixed gear, which acts as a rear brake, and would satisfy UCI rulings (i believe). I know it's been done by Stuart O'Grady in a TDF prologue before.

 

[Oldman]

It's highly possible that he could have ridden on a bike with a fixed gear, which acts as a rear brake, and would satisfy UCI rulings (i believe). I know it's been done by Stuart O'Grady in a TDF prologue before.

Photos show him with full freewheel. I think he meant he didn't use the brakes and left them wide open. They're pretty well concealed on a Felt bike and there would be no advantage to take it off.

 

[boris&co]

If you look at the pics there really is no rear brake, and there is a derailleur.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/millar-ends-season-in-best-time-trialling-form-of-his-career

1.3.025 Freewheels, multiple gears and brakes are not permitted for use on the track during competition or
training.
Disc brakes are allowed in cyclo-cross training and competition.
For races on the road and cyclo-cross, the use of fixed sprocket is forbidden: a braking system that
acts on both wheels is required.

I guess when they say "races on the road" they don't mean time trials.

You've got to think that the scrutineers aren't going to miss something like that if it actually is a rule infringement.

 

[For The World]

Have a look at this link:

http://www.rbaction.net/Tour-of-Cal...Bikes-From-The-Tour-Of-California-Part-2.html

I think what is probably the case with Millars bike is there is a rear brake placed behind the BB, perhaps with some fairing infront of it to help with aerodynamics.

On the Parlee bike (6th from the top), you can see the red anodised rear brake. Hence why Millars bike would have made it through scrutineering - because the brake is actually there, yet we just can't see it.

 

[Oldman]

Have a look at this link:

http://www.rbaction.net/Tour-of-Cal...Bikes-From-The-Tour-Of-California-Part-2.html

I think what is probably the case with Millars bike is there is a rear brake placed behind the BB, perhaps with some fairing infront of it to help with aerodynamics.

On the Parlee bike (6th from the top), you can see the red anodised rear brake. Hence why Millars bike would have made it through scrutineering - because the brake is actually there, yet we just can't see it.

I've got the Felt and it's almost impossible to see the rear brake as it's down low behind the bottom bracket and it's so aero there is no need to remove it. He had said his mind was on a brake rubbing after use so he probably had it wide open. All of this sounds more like idle chatter after a good race anyway. He probably would get a kick out of it even being discussed.

 

[Master50]

Had the officials taken note before his start he would not have been allowed to start. If they note it after he started he would have been DQ'd.
Admitting it now could jeopardize that win.

 

[Oldman]

Had the officials taken note before his start he would not have been allowed to start. If they note it after he started he would have been DQ'd.
Admitting it now could jeopardize that win.

If you go to picture #6 of the Chrono photos you can see both brake levers and the cable that enters the frame for the rear brake. Unfortunately the picture crops high enough you can't see the actual brake as it is behind the bottom bracket. I doubt he had it removed because the cable housing for that brake would not stay in place. No controversy, just talk.