When Wilier Triestina took over from Lapierre at Groupama-FDJ, it was clear to everyone that the legacy was a weighty one. This was especially true because the collaboration between the two French companies had been ongoing for years and had seen the development of models tailored to the team's needs. Anyone who witnessed the development of those bikes remembers the interactions between the team's engineers and those from Lapierre. Now Wilier has also started a similar journey, knowing that we are facing a team of great talents, with important needs and high goals.
The time trial challenge
The victories of Lenny Martinez and Gregoire on the climbs confirmed that road bikes, above all the Filante SLR, have reached a winning standard. All that remained was to please one of the world's strongest time trialists: Stefan KungThe Swiss, who started today in Tour de Suisse with eighth place in the opening time trial, he has important needs and requests. And it is precisely for him that Wilier has studied and completed the Supersonica project..
«It's about the first real project developed from scratch together with Wilier", says Jeremy Roi, responsible for materials development in Madiot's team. "Wilier's Innovation Lab department – he explains – has spent a huge amount of hours and the results came in record timeAfter many virtual tests and then in the wind tunnel, we are proud to see this fast and modern bike that took shape in less than a year.
«I must say that a solid foundation has been laid for the future of our collaboration. The performance was highlighted by the attention to detailRevised geometry, improved aerodynamic efficiency, optimized stiffness, and a new, improved handlebar. After carefully following every single phase of the project, I'm really excited."
Two prototypes
To achieve the final result, two prototypes were built. Extensive 3D printing tests were performed, with over 50 hours of computer simulation. 30 hours between the Silverstone wind tunnel, the velodrome in Switzerland and road tests in Belgium.
The steps were neither few nor simple. The starting point was an athlete analysis to optimize the position on the bike. Thanks to the optical scanning of the forearm, it was possible to custom-make the aerodynamic appendages, choosing between 3D-printed titanium or high-quality carbon laminate. The stakes are high, after all. The Tour de Suisse is fine, but Kung's agenda revolves mainly around the Olympic time trial and then the world championships which will be held in Switzerland..
"I'm very happy and also very impressed," Kung said at the end of the tests, "with the work Wilier has done. It was a very difficult challenge. When the contract between Wilier and the team was signed in August 2023, they immediately focused 100% on Supersonica projectDeveloping a bike from scratch in 9 months is already difficult, but developing the best time trial bike in 9 months is even more difficult. Seeing all the people who were involved and worked on it for a long time, who followed me and listened to me, is a strong motivation to try to give everything possible on race day.
«The bike was designed to go fast, you feel it immediately when you get on it. After riding the first prototype in early 2024, we made some changes. The second prototype arrived shortly thereafter, and it met my requirements perfectly. I can't wait to ride and, above all, to win!
Only for Kung
Just to make it clear that we worked tailor-made for Kung, At the moment the Supersonica is only available in the project size L/XL (the one used by the Swiss)The XS/S and M sizes will be available at the beginning of 2025, so for the rest of the season Gaudu and the GC riders will continue to use the already tested Turbine.
The frame of the new bike takes into account the measures imposed by the UCI and optimizes the various segments pursuing aerodynamics and performanceThe aerodynamic seatpost is integrated and features adjustable saddle height. The fork and rear triangle allow for up to 28mm of tire clearance. The steering column does not have a straight line. In the part immediately above the bottom bracket it is curved and follows the shape of the rear wheel. In the part immediately above that leads to the seat post it is sharp as a blade. The derailleur mount can be removed and the sensor for the powermeter is integrated into the carbon of the right horizontal stay immediately behind the bottom bracket shell.
Already on the market
The bike It's already on sale and Wilier has also released the pricesThe frame kit (frame + fork + handlebars + seatpost) for 9.000 euros.
Mounted with Shimano Dura Ace Di2 / Miche KleosRD rear disc wheel + SPX3 front wheel / ACS PRO Profile Design Appendices at 20.500 euro.
With Shimano Dura Ace Di2 / Miche KleosRD rear disc wheel + SPX3 front wheel / custom-made appendages, in carbon or titanium at 27.400 euro.
