The cobblestones have always been the testing ground for men and equipment, demanding and grueling, fascinating and capable of changing the career of an athlete (and a bicycle).
Will the bikes be different between the Stones of Flanders and those of Roubaix? How far in advance are the technical specifications drawn up for the bike? In recent days, Barons He had explained to us the differences on his bike for Flanders and Roubaix. We asked these and other questions to Alberto Chiesa, head of the mechanics staff of the UAE Team Emirates.
Same bike for the cobblestones of Flanders and that of Roubaix?
Yes, the bike will be the same and always the same Colnago V4Rs. Or rather, to be precise on the occasion of the cobblestones we will change the fork, but the frame will remain the same.
A new fork?
A fork that Colnago specifically for these races, with greater light in the wheel arch area. This is to give a wider tolerance when we fit the 32mm tires.
Will you always use 32mm tires?
Usually 32 for Roubaix and 30 for Flanders, tubeless Continental.
Compared to the standards, are you thinking of increasing the amount of fluid in the tubeless?
No, we will stay with our standards which are around 40 milliliters for each tireFrom a pavé perspective, the fluid serves primarily to secure the tire to the rim. Of course, it also serves to seal any punctures that may appear in the tire, but in most cases, on the cobblestones you get a puncture and lose pressure because the rim breaks. Especially at Roubaix.
What pressure will they use?
Around 3,5 atmospheres, but in this case the variables are also linked to the weather, so we will also work in the moments immediately before the start. We have tried and are trying different solutions. I can say that at Roubaix you go down slightly with the pressure of tubeless, compared to the Flanders.
When did you start doing the technical tests in preparation for the cobblestones?
On the field, with the various reconnaissances of the riders appointed to carry out the northern campaign, usually let's start at least with two months in advanceThe first inspection was carried out about 20 days ago.
Are the tests also useful for adjusting the gear ratios that the riders will use?
Ours will use the double front chainring 54-40There are two combinations for the sprockets, 11-30 for Roubaix, 11-34 for Flanders. The choice of component will change, because Runners can choose between the crowns Carbon-Ti and the standard Shimano onesThose who have Carbon-Ti, such as Wellens, will continue to use them on the cobblestones as well.
And what about the brake discs?
All with 160 front and 140 rear, required Carbon-Ti.
Will there be riders who will change the settings of the bike?
By now the position remains the same, for normal races and for the pavIt is. The only variable in stone optics is linked to the double tape on the handlebars, or when inserting the gel, which some riders ask for and the fact that the handlebars are completely taped even in the upper horizontal part.
Are there any riders who use satellite controls on the horizontal part of the handlebars?
Yes, there are athletes who ask the keys under the horizontal partHighly sought after by riders who place their hands on the top of their bike when pedaling over cobblestones.
