Thursday 26 May 2011

HTC at the start of Stage 17

May 25, Stage 17: Feltre - Tirano 230km, Giro d'Italia.

Before the days work had started I had the chance to take a look over the HTC bikes, and as a bonus managed to speak to Marco Pinotti & exchanged a few words with Lars Bak.

What was interesting is that this year the Team is using more HED wheels, albeit with a low key set of graphics. My guess is that they supply the Team but don't financially contribute in a way that warrants big graphics (please HED or HTC put me right is I'm wrong). What was really interesting is that the Teams bikes that where there all were fitted with 25mm Conti Competition tyres. I presume that due to the wider rim track these just work better. I'm sure that the lower resistance is welcome, as well as a little more comfort.

It's not the first time the Team gave used a larger volume tyre for 'normal' racing. Previously they'd used 25mm on their TT bikes, in 2010 at the Tour if California.

From a saddle point if view the riders seem to be able to rude whatever they want from either Fi'zi:k's or Specialized's catalog. This must be great from a riders point of view as they able to find a saddle that will work for them.

The riders spared a few words, which was very kind considering they where just about to have another long day in the saddle. The way that they conduct themselves makes me a bigger fan of the Team, even though they must have been tired after this long and difficult Giro.

Oh, for the record Diego Ulissi (Ita) Lampre - ISD won in a controversial finish, but for me that wasn't the story of the day.

Posted via email from Sprinting for Signs's posterous

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