Jackson and Nicholas discussed the technical aspects of a new bike design. Jackson explained the bike's unique features, such as wide forks, chain stays, and seat stays, which are aimed at reducing air drag. He also mentioned that the bike's base bar and fork are designed with a 6 to 1 airfoil, the thinnest possible design for minimal drag. Jackson shared his excitement about racing with the new bike and compared it to his previous bike, the Ventum, highlighting the new bike's stiffness and solid carbon base bar. Ventum Frame Race and Pacing Strategies Jackson and Nicholas eagerly anticipated the upcoming race on the Ventum frame, with particular interest in the participation of Lauren Brandon and the potential for mixed representation on the new frame. Jackson shared his expectations for the race, predicting a large field of 86 participants and possible scenarios, including a championship race or multiple groups based on strength. He also discussed his strategy for pacing himself during a swim and bike race, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong pace in the second half of the race. Jackson noted that he often races with Sam Long and Trevor Foley, who are expected to be strong on the bike. Race Course Discussion and Weather Impact Jackson, Nicholas, and Garrick discussed the upcoming race course, which features a mostly flat terrain with a significant climb. They anticipated that the dynamic nature of the course, including small villages and varying terrain, could lead to groupings and potential conflicts, and emphasized the need for athletes to maintain a safe distance to avoid penalties. They also discussed the potential impact of rain on the race, with Jackson expressing his belief that rain would slow down the race, while Nicholas argued that previous experiences suggested rain might not necessarily slow the race down. The quality of the roads in Germany was also discussed, with Nicholas expressing hope that the roads would be clear of potholes. Competitor Position Changes and Contenders Nicholas and Jackson discussed the expected movements and position changes among the competitors in an upcoming race. They identified Sam, Trevor, and themselves as likely candidates for significant shifts, especially on the bike course. They also predicted that Christian Hogan, Brain Curry, and Florian Ingard, among others, would be strong contenders. Jackson noted that Patrick Lang might not push the pace at the front but would aim to stay in a second group. Nicholas highlighted Christian Blumenfeld as a wild card due to his intense and unrelenting nature. They both agreed that the competition would be fierce, with numerous strong contenders vying for position. Jackson's Race Strategy and Gear Discussion Jackson expressed his confidence in his new bike giving him a significant advantage in the upcoming race. He detailed his strategy, which included maintaining a consistent nutrition plan, drinking from his bottles at specific points to avoid them launching, and studying the course to prevent losses. Nicholas and Garrick teased him about his wristband and potential time loss due to drag during the swim. Jackson defended his approach, stating that it would not affect his swim performance.