We’ll finally see if Pogacar’s aero bike makes the difference in Milan-San Remo: "Teammates are already much faster"

When it was unveiled at UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s media day back in December, the people at Colnago were beaming with pride. With the Colnago Y1Rs, the bike manufacturer introduced an aero beast designed to make the difference in races like... well, Milan-San Remo! With La Primavera set to kick off the Monument season on Saturday, IDLProCycling.com stopped by the team presentation on Friday to get an update: will this be the bike that finally delivers Pogacar his long-awaited Sanremo win?

In a detailed breakdown of the bike back in December, several key points stood out that are especially relevant to Milan-San Remo. For example, the press release stated: “Wind tunnel tests showed that the Y1Rs saves 20 watts at a speed of 50 km/h.” Project engineer Filippo Galli further explained that the aero bike is “200 to 300 grams heavier” than the climbing model and added: “I’m not sure exactly where the tipping point is. The aerodynamic bike is heavier, but saves 20 watts. It will also depend on the rider and their role in the race.”

Pogacar didn’t ride the aero bike in Strade Bianche, but he was seen using it during the UAE Tour and on several training rides. In December, the Slovenian still seemed undecided, but by now it appears almost certain he’ll ride it on Saturday. "I’d find it logical for Pogacar to use it there, since it’s a high-speed race. And I’m also thinking about the guys who have to ride at the front all day," Galli explained back then. “Ultimately, it’s Tadej’s decision. But if you ask me now, it would make sense for him to go with the new bike.”

Read more below the photo.

The Colnago Y1Rs stands out thanks to its 'Batman' handlebars

Wellens wanted to ride it—but Pogacar gets first dibs

Tim Wellens will be at the start of Milan-San Remo on Saturday, tasked with helping set the pace for Tadej Pogacar after finishing third in Strade Bianche. When asked about the much-talked-about aero bike, he couldn’t help but smile. "The bike is so popular within the team that I got mine fairly late. So I can’t say too much about it yet, and I won’t be using it on Saturday. After the classics, I hope to start riding it. There are a few guys who will be using it this weekend, though."

So what are his teammates saying about it? "They’re all very happy with it and say that during training, they’re riding quite a bit faster on average. That bike must be good, especially since quite a few riders are choosing it for Milan-San Remo. The fact that Tadej is using it a lot says something, too. I’ve ridden it a few times myself. It’s a very sleek bike, though I don’t want to give a final verdict just yet. But my teammates are very pleased with it."

Read more below the photo.

In addition to the handlebars, the aero bike features an angled seat post

Del Toro thinks aero bike can make a difference for Pogacar

In addition to its distinctive ‘Batman’ handlebars, the Colnago Y1Rs aero bike also stands out with its angled seat post. And one of the riders who will be using it on Saturday alongside Pogacar is Isaac Del Toro, the newly crowned winner of Milano-Torino. When asked about Colnago’s latest showpiece, he was full of enthusiasm. "I really think it could make the difference between first and third place for Tadej, definitely. For me, it probably won’t change the result much—as long as he wins, I’m happy."

That’s quite the statement. Saving 20 watts over 289 kilometers along the Italian coast does sound like a big advantage. "The bike really is faster—it’s great to ride on these days," Del Toro said. "I think I’ll use it on Saturday, even though the Colnago climbing bike feels a bit more familiar to me—I’m more comfortable on it. I haven’t spent that many hours yet on the aero bike, but if it really is that much faster, then of course we’ll go for it on Saturday."

Bram van der Ploeg (Twitter: @BvdPloegg | email: [email protected])      

Read also

Armstrong hits back hard: "My rivals cheated too, and some have been completely destroyed by it"

🎥 Does Pogacar reveal his attack plan for Sanremo here? World Champion enlists help of Cipressa descent master

Gilbert doesn't spare Vingegaard: "He tried to hide behind others, as always"

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get every week the latest news about CYCLING in your inbox!

Subscribe