The first of two Pyrenean stages from Pau to Laruns was tackled by mountain specialist Dylan Teuns on the aerodynamic Factor Ostro VAM. However, the Belgian was apparently the only rider from the Israel Premier-Tech team to be given the chance to switch to a previously unreleased model from the British manufacturer. Even before its release, TOUR scrutinised the climbing bike at the Tour de France. Factor already exhibited a shrouded racing bike at the Eurobike in Frankfurt - it is likely to be the new O2 VAM.
The "fastest climbing bike"
The model appeared on the Factor website a few days ago and is advertised there as the "fastest climbing bike". In addition to an extremely light frame and a total weight of 6.4 kilograms, it is characterised by its special aerodynamics. In terms of stiffness, handling and geometry, it is said to be in no way inferior to the Ostro VAM.
Israel Premier-Tech "hid" the previously unreleased model on a team vehicle in Pau. Nevertheless, the UCI approval with the model designation O2 could be recognised on the seat tube. The most striking component is the seat dome, which is reminiscent of the Propel Advanced SL from Giant. In contrast to the OSTRO, the O2 is more delicate and presumably much lighter. Teuns' work bike was also fitted with wheels from Black Inc (28/33), which are not listed in the British accessory specialist's online shop.
The RFID chip, which UCI inspectors use to randomly check all frames, was (still) missing on the unreleased Factor O2 VAM. The first pictures of the new Factor had already appeared online a few weeks ago when Teuns was caught on a training ride with the racer.
