WORLD TOUR BIKES GUIDE 2022

CW casts a critical eye over this season’s top-tier machines

- Luke Friend

Groupama-FDJ

BIKES LAPIERRE

GROUPSET SHIMANO

WHEELS SHIMANO

When it comes to bikes and equipment, the French team subscribes to the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ school of thought. This season will again see them aboard Lapierre bikes, having first joined forces with the brand way back in 2002.

However, the 2022 season will provide the team with the opportunity to ride the new Xelius SL3, which launched in December of last year. With its reduced weight and reported improved aerodynamic efficiency. it could well be the weapon of choice for grimpeurs David Gaudu and Thibaut Pinot. The latter will be returning to the Tour de France for the first time since 2020 to resume his love-hate relationship with his national Grand Tour.

Aside from the Xelius SL3, the team will switch between Lapierre’s out-and-out aero road bike, the Aircode, and its TT machine, the Aerostorm.

Continuity is a repeated theme for 2022. Shimano remains in the form of its Dura-Ace groupset and wheels, as do the Continental tyres and PRO finishing kit. We’re also hoping for another GroupamaFDJ staple in 2022: team manager Marc Madiot’s impassioned displays of support for his riders, usually delivered while hanging out the window of the support car.

INEOS GRENADIERS

BIKES PINARELLO

GROUPSET SHIMANO

WHEELS SHIMANO