At the Tour de France, Jonas Vingegaard's innovative 'aero' bike undergoes comprehensive enhancements, showcasing features such as aerodynamic chain catchers and wrapped seatposts.
In the highly anticipated 2023 Tour de France, Jonas Vingegaard will be racing on a brand new, aero-optimised Cervélo S5 bike, designed to deliver an edge in speed, aerodynamics, and ride quality.
The updated Cervélo S5 boasts a significant 6.3 watts more aerodynamic efficiency than its predecessor, a gain that could save valuable seconds on high-speed stages. Weighing in at just 8.03kg (without pedals), the new model is also 163 grams lighter than its predecessor, making it more competitive without compromising stiffness or ride quality.
The S5's extreme frame stiffness translates into very responsive acceleration and efficient power transfer, providing a "race-winning blast-off" feeling from each pedal stroke. Combined with incredibly smooth ride characteristics, thanks to 28mm tubeless tires run at relatively high pressures, the bike offers a balanced blend of comfort and speed.
Cervélo has maintained a clear separation between the aero S5 and climbing R5 models, providing specialized performance advantages tailored to different race profiles. The new S5 is the product of three years of development, with input from Vingegaard and Visma-Lease a Bike engineers, focused on producing a race bike that excels in aerodynamic efficiency without compromising ride quality or handling.
The cockpit, higher bottom bracket shell, sharper cutoffs for the trailing edges, and wheels designed in system with the frameset all contribute to the speed of the new Cervélo S5. Meanwhile, Visma-Lease A Bike will use a brand new, lightweight Cervélo R5 in the high mountains.
Remco Evenepoel is also a contender for the yellow jersey at this year's Tour de France, alongside Tadej Pogacar, who uses a Colnago Y1Rs bike. Jonas Vingegaard, who has won the Tour de France twice, will be aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 performance, where he fell short due to career- or life-threatening injuries.
Tim Merlier rides a sprint-spec Tarmac bike, while Matteo Jorgenson is on an unreleased Cervélo S5 bike. Geraint Thomas, participating in his last ever Tour de France, will be riding an unspecified bike. The new Reserve 57/64 wheels, reportedly three watts faster for the same weight as the older models, are allegedly key to adding higher yaw performance to complement the arrow-straight performance of the frameset.
Despite being essentially production models now, except in name, the new Cervélo bikes are said to be visually similar to the outgoing model. The Cervélo engineer stated that they "aren't even close" to the peak of aerodynamics yet, hinting at potential future improvements.
In the race for the yellow jersey, the 2023 Tour de France promises to be an exciting spectacle, with the aero-optimised Cervélo S5 playing a significant role in Jonas Vingegaard's bid for victory.
The aero-optimized Cervélo S5, a crucial element in Jonas Vingegaard's bid for victory in the 2023 Tour de France, is designed to provide an edge not only in speed but also in ride quality, embodying the fusion of technology and sports performance. Meanwhile, in the high mountains of the same race, Visma-Lease A Bike will be using a brand new, lightweight Cervélo R5, showcasing the intersection of sports and technology, tailored for climbing proficiency.
