We’ve taken a close look at the Mavic neutral support bikes at the Tour de France, but in the pro cyclocross pits it was Shimano providing the backups. With the pros all bringing three or more bikes each, they weren’t getting much use on Sunday, but for the privateers racing earlier in the week, this was likely a welcome sight.
Shimano had an assortment of drivetrain and braking parts mounted to Moots PsychloX titanium cyclocross frames. Some were disc, some still rocked the cantilever brakes, and drivetrains parts were a mix up of well used bits.
PRO cockpit parts handled all the touch points, naturally. Mechanical shifting bikes were easy to spot thanks to the Shimano blue cable housing.
Rear derailleurs were all Ultegra, but the cranks were a mix of lower end parts depending on the bike.
Disc brake models were running a full hydraulic brake setup with Di2 electronic shifting. Note the scrapes and scratches on the rear derailleur – these things have seen some use!
Most of the bikes were using canti brakes and Vittoria tires. Considering how cold it was and how variable the weather was throughout the week, Shimano deserves a big thanks for manning the neutral support tent and helping to keep every rider on the course!
Stan’s NoTubes Elite CX rider Jake Wells was one of (perhaps only) pro we spotted running tubeless in the pro race. Considering the title sponsor of the team, it makes sense.
IRC Serac CX were mounted to Stan’s Valor carbon wheels.
An Ultegra mechanical 2×11 group handled shifting and gearing.
Stages power meter measures watts.
And a Shimano Pro cockpit provided control of the Scott Addict CX team bike.
BMB Racing’s Cat 3 junior Donnie Seib raced the 1/2/3 Men’s 17-18 race Sunday morning aboard this S-Works Crux outfitted with Easton’s new cranks and the K-Edge Chain Guide. Despite his youth, he was pushing a 42-tooth chainring!
The rest of the bike was pretty much stock Specialized parts, including saddle and wheels…
…with the exception of tires. Specialized does make tubular ‘cross tires, but they went with Clements for the race.
