Cervélo, the classics, and Wout Van Aert. And there's even a new S5...

Cervélo R5, S5, Caledonia and P5 for time trialsWithout forgetting the specific model for cyclocross. Wout van aert he is one of those riders who jump from one bike to another without any problem: an attitude that goes far beyond the technical choice and is dedicated to the event. With the S5 he won on his road debut at Circulation. We asked Marcel Kruithof, mechanic of the Team Jumbo-Visma.

What bike models does the Belgian champion have available?

The Cervélo models that Wout uses are three: the S5, the R5 and the CaledoniaEach of these is dedicated to a specific use, to which we must add the time trial bike. Then there is the cyclocross model.

He seems to use every bike equally, but does he have any preferences?

Van Aert is an athlete and a simple guy, but he knows perfectly what he wants and he is very prepared and precise. Working with him is really rewarding and for us mechanics everything becomes easier. Yes, His favorite bike model is the S5. It's most likely also the model that suits him best., considering the power he is able to express and the class he has when he sprints in a sprint.

Can you give us some details about its measurements and any differences between one bike and another?

From a biomechanical point of view, his body works the same way on all Cervélos that he has at his disposal, except for the time trial bike. This latter, however, is a category apart. If we focus on bicycles, on S5 and R5 models, there are differences, but they are minimal.

From what point of view?

The R5 has a different handlebar stem, because the S5 has the integrated and specific cockpit. This is 2mm in length and height of the handlebar. Caledonia has the same values ​​as R5. All his bikes have the 172,5 crankset and on this Wout does not make any changes during the season.

So, even for stage races, the riding position remains unchanged?

Yes, exactly, there is no difference between one-day races, cobblestone races and stage races. The variables are related to the bicycle you decide to use.

Which bike will you use for the spring races?

Caledonia is scheduled for Paris-Roubaix, for all other races, S5 is scheduled. Last-minute evaluations must be taken into account, however.

Will the same bike that Wout uses on race day also be used in the days leading up to the event?

It depends on the situation. To give you a reference, I can say that the rider start using the same model you will use in the race at least three days before.

And what about the choice of wheels?

Wout and the whole team can choose between the models of Shimano Dura-Ace C36, C50 and C60 wheels, all with tubular tire compatibility. The former are preferred for routes with a lot of climbing. The C50s are the ones most used by riders also for the Northern campaignThe 60mm ones are for flat races and when there is little wind.

What is the tire size and what are the inflation pressures?

Normally the rider uses a 26 section, with pressures that are between the 5,8 and 7,2 atmospheres. For cobblestone races Van Aert usually asks for 28, sometimes 30 millimeter tires and the pressure is adjusted downwards.

Are tubeless tires used?

Not in the race. The tubeless wheels and tires are a supply linked to the development team and to the women's team.

Is Wout asking for anything special in terms of cobblestones?

The peculiarity is the double handlebar tape, but only for the Roubaix. For the rest of the races his bikes have a standard configuration, with no particular secrets. One difference between the S5 and R5 setups is the handlebars. On the latter, Van Aert prefers flat handlebars.

But what about relationships?

Compared to 2021 we have Shimano Dura Ace 12v transmissions, with the crowns 54 - 40 and the pinions with scale 11 - 30This is standard, and we'll see this setup at the spring races. It's possible that in the summer, some riders other than Wout will ask to use the 52-36 combination and the 11-34 sprockets. But only for the toughest stages, with very tough climbs.

Are there times during the road season when you ask to use the CX bike?

Van Aert has a Cervélo cyclocross bike at home, always ready and available. Yes, it is possible for the rider to use this bike at this time of the season, for pleasure and not for specific training.

In your career, have you ever seen a rider so strong and versatile at the same time?

I have been on the team for seven years and previously I had never had the opportunity to work with an athlete like that.Van Aert is special and I think it is rare to see such a strong rider. able to provide useful information every time from many points of view, as far as the bikes are concerned and also for the management during the race.