While all communication about protection is focused on the new front chicane of the Arenberg Forest, Israel-Premier Tech happens to be adopting a new technique by opting to use the Ostro Gravel Factor instead of the aerodynamic motorcycle of the motorcycle’s sponsor, the Ostro Vam. , seen for the first time this year at the Tour Down Under.
During a reconnaissance in the Arenberg Forest, all the riders were on gravel bikes, although the team cars had a black version of the Ostro VAM road bike on the roof.
Now that everything has proven that the Specialized-sponsored groups (Bora-Hansgrohe, Soudal QuickStep, AG Insurance Soudal and SD Worx-Protime) will be aboard the Tarmac this year instead of the Roubaix, according to our technical preview of the Roubaix, it’s exciting to see another team going in a completely different direction.
At the time of its release, the Ostro Factor was touted as the most aerodynamic gravel motorcycle on the market, with incredibly deep tube shapes and UCI compatible for road racing. Its aerodynamic optimisation is based on a 34mm tyre, the team informed us. which will use 32c tires, which look larger in the photos, likely due to the wider internal width of the Black Inc. wheels.
In a report from the team’s apparatus director, Gary Blem, it turns out that this is the result of back-to-back tests of both bikes:
“We did some testing on the cobbles after the first weekend with Tom Van Asbroeck and Riley Sheehan, comparing the new OSTRO VAM to the OSTRO Gravel and the overwhelming consensus was that the OSTRO Gravel would be the most productive selection for Paris-Roubaix. The Ostro Gravel has a longer wheelbase, so it rides slower, which is very productive for a race like Paris-Roubaix, as it gives riders more time to react, and the increased tire clearance allows us to mount 32mm tires.
In contrast to the specialized team’s approach, Israel-Premier Tech obviously opines that comfort equals speed, the aerodynamic advantages of the Ostro Gravel would possibly make it an easier selection than for some teams:
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Will joined the Cyclingnews team as a reviewer in 2022, having written in the past for Cyclist, BikeRadar and Advntr. There are very few types of cycling that he hasn’t dabbled in and has a specific affection for older motorcycles and durable components. Road driving was his first love, before moving on to CX racing in Yorkshire. He rode in an old tandem to gravel and mountain biking with fixed gear as well. When he’s not riding one of his many motorcycles, he’s regularly discovered in the garage tinkering with another or obsessing over tires. Plus, since he doesn’t use Zwift, he’s our go-to user for testing in bad weather. . . God bless you.
Rides: Custom Zetland Audax, Bowman Palace:R, Peugeot Grand Touring Tandem, Falcon Explorer Tracklocross, Fairlight Secan
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