Cervélo bikes at Visma: Vingegaard is spoilt for choice
The US American was the only Visma pro to choose the new product, which is not yet available for amateur riders. We have presented both the Cervélo S5 and the R5 in detail here.
So far, the Cervélo S5 is the bike of choice
This means that co-favourite Jonas Vingegaard is still riding the S5. However, the co-favourite for overall victory made a few adjustments due to the challenging elevation profile with seven second-category climbs.
The Dane continues to rely on a 1x12 drivetrain from SRAM. However, the mono chainring of the Red AXS with 52 teeth is smaller than on a fast flat stage. Vingegaard, who made a relaxed impression before the start and was busy signing autographs as in previous days, also rides a 10-36 cassette. The smallest gear (52/36 teeth) is therefore relatively tight.
In addition to dispensing with a second chainring, the flatter wheels also help with weight tuning on the stage with 4,450 metres of climbing over 165.3 kilometres. At 6.95 kilograms, the two-time Tour winner's already remarkably light aero bike was in the paddock with flat 34-millimetre rims from Reserve. Previously, Vingegaard used the faster wheels with 57 and 64 millimetre rims.
The R5 is not yet an option for Jonas Vingegaard
"The R5 is not yet an option for Jonas," team mechanic Giancarlo Brand told us. However, the mountain bike with SRAM Red AXS 2x12 was prepared on the support vehicle. Vingegaard could still change his mind spontaneously depending on the course of the race and would have a lighter gear ratio available on the spare wheel.
On today's 12th stage with 180.6 kilometres and 3850 metres of climbing, he remains on the Cervélo S5. Will he switch to the R5 for stage 14? We are curious. On Saturday, it's up to the Col du Tourmalet, the Col d'Aspin, the Col de Peyresourde and finally a final climb of 12.4 kilometres with an average gradient of 7.3 percent.
Julian Schultz
Editor
