Jasper Stuyven won the Milan-Sanremo in 2021, with a finishing move that took the group by surprise and played the Classicissima. What changes on the 2022 version of the bike, compared to the one used in 2021?
We asked Mauro Adobati, team mechanic Trek-Segafredo, which offers us some interesting insights into the Trek Madone of the strong Belgian rider. Our journey continues like this knowledge path of the champions' bikes, after having presented the Merida by Colbrelli , Specialized by Asgreen.
What bikes does Stuyven have available?
All team riders can choose between the Emonda and Madone modelsBased on the athlete's choices and preferences, those made at the beginning of the year and expressed during the first training camps, riders are provided with specific models.
Is there a preference for the Belgian rider?
Jasper is a Trek Madone rider, he particularly loves this bike. It's also suitable for him from a technical point of view, because it's aerodynamic and fast.. Stuyven is powerful and a great rouleur and needs such a medium. Its equipment also includes a Trek Emonda, which however comes used less, only when there are races with big climbs, where he needs to save his leg.
So, is there a rider's preference and also a technical choice?
Yup, the rider has the final say on the choice, then obviously the characteristics of the athlete are taken into consideration. For example Ciccone… He doesn't use the Madonna, but only the EmondaThe two riders are very different in terms of expression and athletic ability, an aspect that is also reflected in their choice of bike.
What size bike does Stuyven ride?
Jasper uses a 58, a size common to the bikes in his range.
Does your riding position change depending on the race and the season?
No, Stuyven always maintains the same position on the bike. Changing settings is something that happens less and less often, maybe small adjustments, but certainly no significant changes occur.
What bike will he presumably ride in the Sanremo?
For sure with the Trek Madone.
Can you give us some details about the components?
The choices will be made closer to the event, but I can tell Stuyven's preferences. He usually uses the double front chainring with the 54-41 combination and with 170 cranks. Short if we consider the physical structure, but he is happy with it. The gear scale behind 10-33.
And what about the cockpit?
Its Madone è mounted with un integrated handlebar all carbon version Bontrager RSL. This is what is normally supplied with the Emonda. It has a 130mm stem, with a negative rake of 17°. The width of the fold is 400. Stuyven uses a traditional saddle, not a short one.
A handlebar that's only 40 centimeters wide?
Yes, the trend is to use narrow dumbbells, despite the physical characteristics of the rider suggesting a wide bend. We have to consider thereduced aerodynamic impact which leads to a tight fold. And then there are also the levers moved inwards: efficiency, but also personal preference.
For the wheel sector, what could Stuyven's choice be, always with a view to Sanremo?
The wheels are mounted tubeless, this is starting to become the standard. For wheels, 90% of the preference will be for the Bontrager Aeolus RSL 62, 28 tubelessThe pressures between 5,7 and 6 atmospheres. The team uses the tires Pirelli Race TLR. Each tubeless wheel requires the use of the anti-puncture latex.
Do you still use tubulars and tubular wheels?
Less and less, as I was saying before the trend is towards a total switch to tubeless. Furthermore, With tubeless we have noticed that there are fewer punctures and the riders themselves are happy because they roll a lot. The choice of tubeless is however a gradual path, also necessary to give the athletes the right feeling. However, the wheels we have available are now almost all tubeless.
And how do you deal with the transmission batteries?
The batteries of the rear derailleur and the derailleur they are removed after each race and not necessarily recharged. They are controlled, yes, and the red cap is applied which protects them and prevents dispersion. The next morning, before the race, we reassemble them and the riders find the bike ready to ride.
Do you use any special solutions to preserve the rotating movements of the wheels and bottom bracket?
We do not use and do not employ any particular mechanical solutions, then there are also the mechanic's habits to consider. Sometimes we try to use a less viscous oil for the chain, so that too much waste does not accumulate. Let's say that traditional competitions do not lead to facing major problems. They are the Northern races and competitions such as La Strade Bianche which often force you to replace everything!
