In a spectacular display of strength and skill, world champion Remco Evenepoel swept away the competition in the Volta ao Algarve time trial this weekend. The Belgian cyclist was not the only one to sport a “monster gear” at the event. His compatriot Rune Herregodts also opted for a 62-tooth front disc.
“Has this leaked yet?”
Evenepoel impressed everyone during his Time Trial, and he credits much of the success to the work in the wind tunnel. “We adjusted the position a little this winter and the mechanics and performance team analyzed my riding,” the Belgian told newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws.
Is that why it had a 62 tooth front disc? “’Damn’, is this already leaked or what?” (laughs) We made this choice because of the route, there were a lot of false and flat descents. I myself thought it was a limit. Our good friend Victor Campenaerts started this, we ‘stole’ it from him. Was really good. I can only be satisfied with the work of the entire team.”
Intermarché cyclist also used the equipment
Rune Herregodts, 25, who races for Intermarché-Wanty, finished ninth at the finish line in Albufeira. Paired with a 12-speed rear gear ranging from 11 to 34 teeth, Herregodts managed to maintain the gap with Evenepoel to less than a minute, finishing ahead of the famous Wout van Aert.
A strategic victory
According to Dimitri Claeys, former cyclist and current team director at Intermarché-Wanty, Herregodts’ use of the 62-tooth disc was a conscious and strategic decision. “Thanks to the 12 cassette, it has enough headroom to climb,” Claeys explained.
“Rune trains regularly with a 62-tooth disc. He is the only cyclist on our team who owns one”, adds Claeys, explaining that discs of this size are still scarce on the market.