As the peloton migrates to find warm weather and dry roads, mechanics and team staff are busy building bikes and dialing in equipment for the race year ahead. Training camps aren’t just for packing on the miles; it’s time to get fit (on your bike), meet new teammates, and dial in race schedules.
This year the Specialized Teams hit the sunny weather of Spain for their product teams to explain new tech, Rutul Fit experts to dial in positions, and engineers to gather rider feedback on all the goods.
Training camps this close to the start of the season mean all-new kits (some of which haven’t been unveiled yet), specifically new clothing, matching paint schemes for the bikes, and photoshoots — lots of photoshoots.
“Most of the bikes and equipment we make are developed hand in hand with these athletes. We help these riders perform at their best, and in turn, they help us develop the very best products. It’s a proven method for us, and a close working relationship is critical to success.” Scott Jackson, Leader of S-Racing
Specialized supports many teams, but this release focuses on Quick-Step-Alpha Vinyl, BORA-Hansgrohe, and SD Worx. Each team has new kits for the 2022 season, new bikes to match, and a slew of new custom helmets and footwear. Specialized is also supporting Sagan’s new team TotalEnergies—though their official launch won’t be until later in the week.
The riders from each team got acquainted with their new gear, and so did the mechanics. Mark Cavendish, Peter Sagan, Julian Alaphilippe, and Kata Blanka Vas were some of the lustrous few taking measurements and dialing in their positions.
Mark Cavendish’s 2022 S-Works Specialized Tarmac SL7
Mark Cavendish’s 2022 bike is similar to the setup he rode in the 2021 season. The British super sprinter will fly the Quick-Step-Alpha Vinyl colors again this season.
The Manx Missle will pilot a Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 with the all-new Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 12 Speed, Roval wheels, and components.
Peter Sagan’s 2022 S-Works Specialized Tarmac SL7
Sagan bike looks very similar to the setup for 2021, including the Shimano 11 spd Dura-Ace setup (for now).
For 2022 Sagan moved from the BORA-Hansgrohe World Tour team and brought his staff, bike sponsors, and others to the TotalEnergies Continental squad. Sagan brings years of World Tour racing experience, tons of fans, and serious watts to the French squad.
Julian Alaphilippe’s Specialized Tarmac SL7
The World Road Champion’s custom race machine is something special — no, the components aren’t different, but those World Champion stripes are.
Quick-Step-Alpha Vinyl team will race on Shimano components, specifically the new Dura-Ace Di2 and 12 speed. For shoes, helmets, and other needs the team keeps it in the family with Specialized/Roval.
Kata Blanka Vas’ Specialized Tarmac sl7
If you follow the cyclocross circuit, this name will be very familiar. Kata Blanka Vas has been at the front of races since the season started, and her custom Hungarian flag helmet is easy to spot.
Riding for the Women’s World Team SD Worx, Blanka Vas will be at all the premier events, hopefully carrying over some of the ‘cross fitness from the World Championships.
Her Specialized Tarmac SL7 is a mix of Specialized and SRAM high-end components. The frame and saddle are all Specialized, SRAM provides the shifting, and Zipp provides the wheels and cockpit. The build is similar to the Specialized Crux that Vas rides for cyclocross season.
Check out www.specialized.com for more info on the Tarmac SL7
