À partir de janvier 2024, les coureurs de l'équipe DECATHLON AG2R LA MONDIALE seront équipés par @van_rysel : - Vélos RCR Pro Dura Ace Di2 et XCR Dura Ace Di2 - Casques RCR, FCR et XCR - Lunettes ROADR 900 #DECATHLONAG2RLAMONDIALETEAM
Will this new Van Rysel bike intimidate the WorldTour? "We are truly astounded"
CyclingTuesday, 12 December 2023 at 11:33
Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale is a 'new' brigade in the WorldTour for 2024. The team, led by Vincent Lavenu, was known as AG2R Citroën Team from 2021 to 2023, but will be renamed due to the entry of the international sports chain. And a new team means a new bike, as the saying goes. In the case of the French team, which will be riding on Van Rysel bikes, the expectations are already quite high...
The new bike is named Van Rysel RCR Force AXS and it has been tested over the past few months by several key members of the team. A few weeks ago, following the team presentation in Lille, this website spoke with a number of key figures within the team. They were unanimously enthusiastic about the new bike, including Oliver Naesen. "The bike is really something different from what we are used to. I have tested the bike several times during the season. From that, I concluded that it was really good. When we heard that we were going to ride Van Rysel bikes, many guys on the team were initially taken aback. However, when we went to test them, we were truly astounded," says the 33-year-old Flemish rider.
Not only Naesen, but also O'Connor, Bennett, and Lafay speak highly of the Decathlon bike
"It's always a risk, especially since it's still a prototype. But if the bike stays as it was during those tests, it promises to be very good: super light, extremely responsive, and beautiful," Naesen concludes his praise. Ben O'Connor was also given the opportunity to test the race bike, and he too had nothing but praise. "It indeed is a top bike. It's exactly as it should be. Van Rysel is a big company with ample resources. So, I have a lot of confidence, especially after having the chance to test it a few times."
New team member Victor Lafay also briefly but powerfully commented on the RCR Force AXS. As you might guess, the Frenchman's words were positive. "Decathlon is becoming the new main sponsor, and I suspect we will notice that. Firstly, with the new Van Rysel bike, in which I have a lot of confidence." And what about fellow new recruit Sam Bennett? "I was really excited about the new bike project and where they are headed. Everything just feels right," says the amiable Irishman.
Bike tester and critic Leon van Bon also praises Van Rysel RCR Force AXS
Finally, we'd also like to share a review from 'the outside.' Bike connoisseur Leon van Bon, on behalf of the cycling magazine Fiets, had the chance to give it a go and shared his judgment with the readers. "When you think of Decathlon, you think of solid and affordable. But the French retail chain is now aiming for more than just solid and with the bikes from their house brand Van Rysel, they are moving towards high end. Still relatively inexpensive, as it's Decathlon," he begins. "The Van Rysel RCR Force AXS Black stands before me. My first thought? This is no half measure, it looks very good," he then describes the color scheme.
"It feels tight, not too nervous. It could even have been a bit more nervous, is my first thought. But it definitely feels like a high-end racer," the 51-year-old Dutchman then delves into more details. "When I swing by the bike shop for a tire with an extra-long valve, even the mechanic is impressed. The bike performs very well. It steers nicely, feels familiar and stable. It's always a great feeling to accelerate with such wheels. Add to that the typical sound of high carbon rims, and you have a delightful experience. The frame also feels good. I actually didn't have any negative experiences. Okay, the Force groupset feels a bit slow when shifting, but then I'm really nitpicking. I actually wasn't annoyed at any point. This is exactly what I want from a bike."
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Latest Comments
- I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024
- This is not a gravel race. UCI fail, from the surface they are on to team tactics. In what country was the first "gravel race" in what country is the most popular gravel race? Go with the race model that created the discipline.
Barnes127411-10-2024 - And don't forget he has now won 4 of the big 10 races (Grand tours, Monuments and WC/OG) in one year with a chance to make that 5. (5 has only been done once before)Joostmehrtens05-10-2024