Chasing tenths: on two wheels or four

Whether it's the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 tearing through rally stages or a time-trial bicycle flying down the Tour de France course, both machines are built with the same purpose: speed, efficiency, and absolute performance. What do these engineering masterpieces have in common—and how do they differ from their production-line cousins?

3. 7. 2025 Lifestyle Motorsport

Jakub Jareš standing by the car and Zdeněk Štybar holding the bike

Everyone at his machine - Zdeněk Štybar with his bike and Jakub Jareš with his car

The time trial special's wheels are also important for aerodynamics.

Good tyres are key to the handling and speed of both machines.

Rules must be followed

The Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 is based on the fourth-generation production Fabia but is extensively modified to meet FIA Rally2 homologation standards. “Some parts must remain original, others can be upgraded, and some are pure prototypes,” explains Jakub Jareš, project coordinator at Škoda Motorsport. “Rally1 through Rally4 classes vary in how closely the car must resemble a production model—the higher the number, the closer it stays to the production model.”

For time-trial bikes, the minimum weight is strictly regulated at 6.8 kilograms. Race bikes are also equipped with handlebar extensions that allow for a more ergonomic and aerodynamic riding position. Rules set by the UCI limit the horizontal distance between the centre of the crank set and the end of the handlebars—typically between 80 and 85 cm depending on the rider’s height. “And of course, officials check to ensure there are no hidden electric motors in the bike—that would be cheating. Gear ratios, specifically the number of teeth on the cogs, aren’t currently restricted, and riders often personalize them,” adds Štybar.

The handlebar extension, known as a trapeze, increases comfort, riding efficiency and, above all, aerodynamics.

In the Rally2 category, the production vehicle is homologated first, followed by the competition-spec car. Inspections are carried out at every rally during technical scrutineering, and at the finish line, the top few cars are selected for final checks. “During these inspections, the scrutineer may even request piston verification. That means removing the engine head, taking out the pistons, and checking whether the parts comply with the homologation. It doesn’t happen often, but officials have the right to do it in order to prevent any form of cheating,” explains Jareš.

Want to ride a time-trial bike? You can. With the right gear, you can experience Tour de France vibes right outside your door. The Fabia RS Rally2, however, is another story. While you can buy it, racing without a license is off-limits—and it’s not road-legal without special permits.

Aerodynamics: friend and foe

Whether it's a rally car or a time trial bike, air is both the enemy and the key to winning. The faster you go, the more turbulent the airflow—and the greater the resistance and the more challenging the forward motion becomes. That’s why both types of machines undergo aerodynamic optimization in wind tunnels.

For cars, visits to wind tunnels are an expensive but common practice; however, time trial bikes are also tested there, which is one of the main differences compared to regular bikes. Additionally, the rider themselves is considered and can even be represented by a 3D model. Unlike a car, the cyclist is an integral part of the bike’s aerodynamics. Alongside the frame and handlebars, the rider, their suit, shoes, and helmet are all fine-tuned. Every detail counts, including socks.

Helmet, overalls, shoes, and even socks are an important part of a racer's aerodynamics.

Functional shape gives time trial helmet a science fiction look

Rally helmets meet high safety standards.

Get comfortable, it’s going to be a ride!

When riding, the position of the head and the correct posture on the bike are also crucial and are sometimes practiced with a physiotherapist. A poor position can cause a significant disadvantage that isn’t easy to fix simply by training. “Over fifty kilometres, a change in shoulder position can make a difference of even a minute,” explains Štybar.

The rider positions themselves on the bike to feel comfortable while being able to generate maximum power and maintain the most aerodynamic posture possible. “Usually, there is a compromise between comfort and aerodynamics, but professionals tend to push to the extreme, sacrificing a bit of comfort for better aerodynamics,” explains Štybar.

The driver’s position behind the wheel and personalization are also important in a car. The seat is approved by regulations for the given category. There are several sizes available, and the driver can adjust theirs with padding or have a custom-moulded insert made specifically to fit them. “A thorough seating position in the race car is crucial because the body absorbs huge impacts, and any unintended movement can increase fatigue,” notes Jareš.

Steel, carbon, Kevlar and beyond

The regulations for competition vehicles also specify which materials can be used. The focus is on safety, strength, and weight. For example, the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 features a steel body, a carbon intake manifold, a protective roll cage made of chromoly steel, and absorption safety elements made from a special foam material called defoelements. However, there are certain restrictions here as well: “For instance, titanium is not allowed in competition cars in our Rally2 category,” notes Jareš.

One of the important aerodynamic elements of a competition car is the rear wing.

Behind the wheel of the competition special lies sophisticated suspension and braking mechanics.

The cockpit of the competition car only remotely resembles a production car.

Škoda is connected to both of these worlds. After all, it was from the factory in Mladá Boleslav in 1895 that Laurin & Klement bicycles first rolled out. Today, the brand honours its roots through partnerships, including with the world’s most famous cycling race, the Tour de France. Next year, Škoda Motorsport will celebrate 125 years, during which it has collected numerous successes, including some of the most prestigious trophies. You can spot the current Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 competing on the stages of the WRC World Championship in the Rally2 category.