As one of cycling’s most meticulous minds, former British national time trial champion Alex Dowsett recently offered rare insight into the delicate balance of aerodynamics and performance that defines modern time trialing. With the release of Amazon Prime’s upcoming documentary Against the Clock: The Art of the Time Trial, Dowsett shared his thoughts on how the discipline continues to evolve.
A Career Built on Precision
Dowsett, who ended his professional career in 2022, built his legacy on consistent results in individual time trials and an obsessive attention to technical detail. He earned respect across the peloton not just for his strength but for his engineering-level understanding of bike positioning.
“Time trials are brutally simple — it’s you against the clock,” Dowsett said. “There’s no one to draft, no tactical hiding. You either perform or you don’t.”
Over his years with top-tier teams such as Team Sky and Israel Start-Up Nation, Dowsett became known for pushing the limits of positioning. From perfecting arm angles to experimenting with saddle heights and helmet choices, he always sought the elusive edge in reducing drag.
The Evolution of Positioning
As regulations have tightened around positioning — including limits on extension length and saddle setback — Dowsett still sees space for innovation. He pointed to the growing use of technologies like wind tunnel testing and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) to optimize riding posture and equipment choices.
“We’re seeing more aggressive setups now, especially from younger riders,” he explained. “Some are able to hold incredibly low and narrow positions that older pros wouldn’t have attempted a decade ago.”
But Dowsett cautions that not all progress is purely scientific — comfort still plays a major role. A position that looks fast in a wind tunnel might not be sustainable in an actual race.
Dowsett’s Guiding Principles
In the interview, Dowsett outlined three guiding ideas he always followed when crafting a time trial setup:
- Prioritize Aerodynamics – “Reducing drag is non-negotiable. A faster position, even if slightly uncomfortable, is often worth it.”
- Value Controlled Movement – “Stillness is often misunderstood. You want stability, not stiffness. A little movement that supports power is better than complete rigidity.”
- Train in Your Setup – “You can’t just adjust your position on race day and expect results. You need time to adapt — physically and mentally.”
Dowsett emphasized that a rider must practice consistently in their chosen position to develop the muscle memory and breathing rhythm needed for race conditions.
The Mental Game
Aside from the physical challenge, Dowsett highlighted the psychological demand of time trialing. Riders must race solo, without external motivation or team tactics, which can make the clock feel relentless.
“You’re alone out there. And every tiny discomfort or doubt feels amplified,” he said. “A position you trust — one that makes you feel strong — matters as much mentally as it does physically.”
Continuing to Influence the Sport
Now retired, Dowsett works with professional teams and equipment developers to fine-tune performance and design. He’s also mentoring young British cyclists on how to balance biomechanics, aerodynamics, and race-day mindset.
Dowsett expressed excitement for Amazon’s upcoming series, which highlights the often-overlooked science behind time trials.
“It’s fantastic to see this kind of focus,” he said. “Time trials may look quiet on screen, but behind the scenes, they’re where the real innovation happens — where cycling turns into science.”
