Video/Gallery: [NOT] Tadej Pogačar's Tour de France mountain TT bike

A last minute change saw the yellow jeresey opt for a different all-black version

Photo by Daniel Benson

Update: At the start of the stage, I approached the UAE Team Emirates-XRG press officer with three requests.

1. Can I have a go on Pogačar’s bike?

2. Can I take some photos of his TT bike?

3. Can I have a tour of the mechanics truck?

The first proposal was always going to be a stretch, but, as they say, always try to start with a joke. And sure enough, the press officer came back a few minutes later with a bike and a mechanic.

I was told that this version (photos below) was going to be his race bike, and even got some details on gear ratios and a quick video. Scoop!

When is a scoop not a scoop? Well, when plans change or you’re given information that might not be accurate. I’m very sure there was no intention to mislead; the press officer was very apologetic, but I still sent you an email that contains incorrect information. For that, I genuinely apologise.

Daniel

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At the start of the Tour de France mountain time trial stage in Loudenvielle, we were granted exclusive access to the UAE Team Emirates-XRG paddock to take photos of Tadej Pogačar’s bike for the stage.

Now, as you know, my knowledge of race tech is limited. However, I can confirm that the yellow jersey is racing a Colnago Y1RS with some slight modifications, including stripped-down bar tape, no rider name badge on the frame, and no bottle cage.

Additionally, he’s using 55x38 on the front and 34x11 on the back. There’s a TT-specific saddle, too. He’s never raced on this specific set-up.

Here’s a selection of images and a short video from the team paddock.

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