Size and Speed

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Do you think there is a correlation between the top sprinters and their height? I mean looking at some of the profiles such as Gorski, Huebner, Nothstein, Bos and these guys look to be near or over 6'. It might be a case of longer limbs for greater leverage and speed. You don't see too many of the top names with guys under 5'-7". What if you took a 5'-6" rider versus a 6', all things being equal (crank length, gearing, conditions) would the taller rider best the shorter one?

Do you think there is a correlation between the top sprinters and their height? I mean looking at some of the profiles such as Gorski, Huebner, Nothstein, Bos and these guys look to be near or over 6'. It might be a case of longer limbs for greater leverage and speed. You don't see too many of the top names with guys under 5'-7". What if you took a 5'-6" rider versus a 6', all things being equal (crank length, gearing, conditions) would the taller rider best the shorter one?


I know it's only theoretical, but it would not be a fair comparison to compare the two suggested height riders and put them on same crank length and gearing as the same crank length may not suit them both biomechanically and you would generally find a rider using shorter cranks will also use a lower gear.

There have been some shorter, top-level sprinters, the most recent being Rene Wolfe (Very short!), but I agree that there has been (and currently are!) some excellent tall sprinters.

We should wait a few weeks and see if a tall, average, or short rider wins the World Championship.