Tech: Teams break out the lightweight kit for Critérium du Dauphiné's mountainous stage 2
28-tooth top sprockets fitted to handle hills
This article first appeared on BikeRadar.
While riders were tackling yesterday’s tough 10.4km time trial in Lyon, won by Team Sky's Chris Froome, mechanics were busy prepping road bikes for today’s lumpy second stage at the Critérium du Dauphiné that finished atop the Col du Béal.
Froome took back-to-back victories in the first two stages, proving yet again that he is as adept against the clock as he is climbing mountains. It was his first win aboard the Pinarello Dogma F8, released at the end of the Giro d'Italia.
Only Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo) could survive with the Briton's high-cadence pace, as the pair crossed the finish line with the same time.
Trek also chose the second stage to debut its new, yet-to-be-launched road frame.
Many riders opted for a 28-tooth ring in their cassette to cope with the interminable hills they faced during the 158.5km stage that culminated at the top of the Col du Béal.
Check out the gallery of bikes and tech here.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Sam started as a trainee reporter on daily newspapers in the UK before moving to South Africa where he contributed to national cycling magazine Ride for three years. After moving back to the UK he joined Procycling as a staff writer in November 2010.