Will Van Aert and Vingegaard shine in the Tour time trial with the new Cervélo?
CyclingFriday, 05 July 2024 at 10:19
On day six, the 'incident' with Jasper Philipsen was still the main focus. The following day, at Visma | Lease a Bike, especially regarding Wout van Aert, Jonas Vingegaard, and Matteo Jorgenson, all eyes will be on the crucial time trial in the Tour de France. IDLProCycling.com discussed it with team leader Frans Maassen!
"I think we are reasonably well prepared for the time trial given the circumstances. In my opinion, we can perform well. We are very motivated," the 59-year-old DS said clearly and ambitiously. For Van Aert, the 25-kilometer time trial between Nuits-Saint-Georges and Gevrey-Chambertin serves as a dress rehearsal and important test for the Olympic time trial in Paris, while for Vingegaard, it is obviously a crucial stage in the hunt for the yellow jersey.
Vingegaard, Van Aert, and Jorgenson will give it their all in the Tour time trial on behalf of Visma | Lease a Bike
"It has been quite difficult for Jonas to regain his original time trial position," Maassen said regarding the Dane's long rehabilitation process. "He came into this Tour at a disadvantage. To get him to the start, we first had to find the ideal setup. As a result, he missed some time trial training. It's always a challenge to find a balance. When you've spent twelve days in the hospital, missed the Dauphiné, and were in such bad shape, you're very far behind and have a lot of catching up to do. We've tried to find that ideal balance. I think we’ve succeeded very well."
There’s no lack of ambition and confidence from Maassen, who likely speaks for a killer bees team that is all on the same page. "I do think Jonas is ready. I'm sure of it. He has already shown that he’s ready. Jonas is super strong, although there are of course several others who are doing exceptionally well. But regarding Jonas, we see an incredibly high level, so we head into the rest of the Tour with a lot of confidence. And that includes the time trial."
Read more below the photo!
In last year's Tour, Vingegaard delivered perhaps one of the best time trials ever
Many see Remco Evenepoel and yellow jersey holder Tadej Pogacar as the top favorites for the stage win in Burgundy, including the Limburg team leader. "I expect a top performance from Pogacar. I think he is currently the most complete rider of them all. He will certainly be very good, but that doesn't matter to us. We have to reach our own level. We must not disappoint ourselves. We need to make sure we are sharp every day. And then we'll see at the end what it brings us."
"Wout van Aert is Wout van Aert, huh. You should never underestimate him"
So, the Vingegaard plan is clear. But what about the Van Aert plan, the rider who almost crashed in Dijon due to an illegal maneuver by Philipsen? "I also expect a good performance from Wout in the time trial. We will go all out with three riders. Besides Wout and Jonas, there's also Matteo Jorgenson. The rest will have a sort of rest day. From those three, I expect a good result from each," said an optimistic coach.
But what exactly was the situation with Van Aert's time trial preparations, considering he also had his share of setbacks? "Just like Jonas, Wout has had to make concessions. He hasn't had an optimal time trial preparation either. So we'll see to what extent he has paid the price for that. I think the course suits him. After several Tour stages, he has done his cool-downs on the time trial bike to make up for the missed training sessions a bit. Can he compete for the win? Wout van Aert is Wout van Aert, huh. You should never underestimate him. So I would certainly say he will be in the running for the win, especially since he will be giving it his all."
Is new Cervélo model the key to success?
So much for Maassen's words. Let's conclude this Visma | LaB preview with some bike specifics. The team announced to the cycling press that the Tour time trial will be ridden on a brand-new Cervélo P5. "This bike exudes speed and is even faster than its predecessor, with more comfort. On July 5, 2024, the new Cervélo P5 should propel Visma | Lease a Bike to a time trial win and the yellow jersey," the statement read. "The new P5 is based on thirty years of expertise in aerodynamics. With this, Cervélo has once again developed the fastest time trial bike. The frame is stiff, aerodynamic, and accommodates faster wheels and tires. The geometry remains exactly the same as the previous P5."
What exactly should we expect from this new model? Here's a breakdown:
- The new P5 is approximately 5 watts faster than its predecessor. This power gain mainly comes from the new Reserve 77/88 wheels.
- The chainstay spacing has been increased to accommodate a new generation of wider, faster wheels.
- The stack is now adjustable up to 40 mm, while the height of the TT handlebar drops by 10 mm, minimizing the frontal area.
- The new riser increases adjustability, from 0 to 30 degrees, in 5-degree increments.
- The new P5 frame is about 1 watt faster and more aerodynamic than the previous model.
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Latest Comments
- 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