Due Canyon Inflite CF SLX, those of Puck Pieterse and Van der Poel ready for the snow of Vermilion in Val di Sole, set differently. 50" wheels for the Dutch champion, 36" for the reigning world champion.
Let's go into more detail about the bikes. We asked Pieterse's father, who works as a mechanic on the team, directly. Alpecin-Deceuninck also to explain some technical choices to us.
A word from Mr. Pieterse
«In a context like this, The difference can be made by the tires and their pressures, as well as riding skill and the ability to tame the bike in certain situations. Puck will try some settings, but the decision will be made close to the race, to assess the consistency of the snow and the ground underneath. Regardless of the model, the pressure we will use will be around 1,2/1,3 bar. We have a wheelset ready with mud tires and one ready with dry tubulars, a sort of multi-dotted. No changes were made to the other components, compared to a classic race."
Men's crankset
What is most striking is the front gear ratio, with a double 46-39 chainring (with included power meter and 170 crankset). 11 - 34 instead for the rear cassette. The package is Shimano Dura Ace 12-speed, but with the wheels for tubular tires, also Dura Ace, but 36 and of the older version.
«The combination of the front crowns is the same as that used by men, because Puck is very strong and powerful. It supports a significant metric development and is not for everyone, but this is the solution that the 12-speed system currently offers. To have more margin, Puck prefers to use the 11-34 rear sprockets».
The frame features Dugast tubulars, with a 32-gauge section for the more rugged version and a 33-gauge section for the smoother, multi-dimpled version. The integrated carbon handlebar is a classic Canyon design, and the Selle Italia X-LR saddle is very narrow and has a center cutout. The seatpost is a traditional Canyon carbon fiber with a setback.
Van der Poel's red bike
In 2022, Van der Poel uses an all-red Inflite CF SLX, although it is not very clear whether its fleet also includes a new model, still covered by secrecy. Let's limit ourselves to discussing what we have seen at Vermilion.
Compared to Pieterse's Canyon Inflite CF SLX, Van der Poel does not use a power meter and does not normally use one on his CX bike.. Use of 172,5 cranksetThe front ratios are the same as those of the Pieterse, while the rear ones have a scale of 11-30The cockpit is the same, but the saddle is different. Mathieu uses a custom Selle Italia Flite Boost Superflow carbon kit.
The wheel and tire sector has completely changed. For the Dutch uA pair of latest generation Shimano Dura-Ace 50 (tubular) and 33 Dugast Typhoon tires with medium studs, not for mud and not for dry terrain.
«Running on snow is certainly special – says Van der Poel – but the bike settings won't change compared to a traditional race. We will only be able to make a few small changes to the tire pressures., while maintaining the wheels with the 50" profile.
