Material changes are frequent within pro cycling, however when it comes to Jumbo-Visma who is at the very top of cycling currently, they can be quite significant both for the better or worst. Wout van Aert has discussed it before today's home race in Herentals.
“It takes some getting used to. Normally I ride on automatics. It could certainly happen that I shift wrong in Herentals,” the Belgian told Sporza before today's race. “But I should soon get used to that new shifting system.”
Despite their success and consistency throughout 2022, the Dutch team decided to switch from Shimano to SRAM this year. A change that may be costly at first, Jumbo-Visma head of performance Mathieu Heijober hinted at. "Apart from Wout van Aert and Marianne Vos, the majority of Jumbo-Visma athletes don’t yet have any experience with SRAM."
"That holds true for the mechanics as well. As a result, the changeover will receive a lot of attention," he said. This will not only apply to cyclocross but to road races, with riders having tried out the new material in their first pre-season camp in eastern Spain this past December.
“On the road bikes, riders will also have to get used to new shoes and pedals. These are very different from last year’s and offer a big advantage in aerodynamics and weight."
“During the last training camp in December, we completely switched to the new parts. We have also explored Paris-Roubaix with the new bikes and we have noticed that we are making a lot of gains in various areas. The riders have been delighted with the new bikes," he confirms however. Van Aert rode to second place in Herentals after suffering a puncture inside the final lap.
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