Originally Posted by
2500W
French sprinters such as Arnaud Tournant, Gregory Bauge and Quentin Lafargue, all in the range 180-183cm, generally do well on frames of size M, reach 424mm (Look R564) or 427mm (Look R96/&20). Only Quentin Caleyron (188cm) was seen mounted on Look's largest frame.
Here is Lafargue on R564 (the referent measures are the wheel diameter, an average of 676mm; and the closest possible front-centre of 586mm):
Giddeon Massie also rode a LOOK 496 in his prime:
...it was still too small for him. I think he made it work because he seems to have longer legs and a shorter torso instead of a 50/50 build. So, he just jacked up the seat post and moved his saddle back to make space for his legs.
When he returned to track cycling a couple of years ago, he was on a 60cm Felt TK-FRD that fit him a lot better. I know because I spotted the size sticker on his frame from one of his social media posts.
Part of the problem with top riders riding small frames is that that's what bike manufacturers made. When the British made their own frames, Hoy (6' 1"/185cm) rode maybe a 60cm top tube (give or take):
I imagine that this proved to be more aerodynamic with the arms acting as a ramp for the air.