In a now-classic video, a rider tips into a downhill, then flattens his body/chest over the bars, hips hovering off the saddle, legs outstretched.
In this “superman” plank he scythes past rivals, drawing a priceless double-take from the moped pacer, who promptly imitates the move: face down, backside up. It’s a masterclass in drag reduction.
Why it works (and why it’s sketchy)
Going fast downhill is mostly about beating air. By shrinking frontal area and lowering CdA, the superman position delivers “free” speed. But control plummets.
Braking and cornering are compromised, re-mounting to the hoods is dicey, and one wobble can mean a high-speed faceplant. In the clip, the rider even taps his shoe on the tyre to scrub speed and time his clip-in on what appears to be a fixed-gear!
From viral to verboten
The spectacle met the rulebook in 2021 when pro cycling banned the superman and its cousin, the “super tuck” (perching on the top tube). The logic is simple: these aero contortions reduce control and raise crash risk.
The original video dates to 2016, but the lesson has aged well.
Takeaway for everyday riders
Yes, body position is the cheapest aero upgrade, but not at the cost of steering and braking.
If you want real-world speed, ride the drops on descents, keep your weight balanced, choose clean lines, and service your bike.
Enjoy the clip for what it is: an outrageous party trick and a reminder that fast without control is just luck—until it isn’t.
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