{"id":56955,"date":"2023-11-28T12:18:25","date_gmt":"2023-11-28T11:18:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=756485"},"modified":"2023-11-29T00:47:35","modified_gmt":"2023-11-28T23:47:35","slug":"first-look-decathlon-returns-to-worldtour-with-budget-superbikes","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/first-look-decathlon-returns-to-worldtour-with-budget-superbikes\/","title":{"rendered":"First look | Decathlon returns to WorldTour with budget superbikes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yes, \u00a38,500 counts as budget for a superbike <\/p>

By Liam Cahill\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 28 November 2023 at 11:18 AM<\/p>

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Van Rysel is set to supply Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale with its new RCR Pro frameset, moving the team away from BMC.<\/p>\n

First spotted at Sea Otter<\/a> earlier this year, the RCR looks set to compete in the lightweight aero all-rounder space, alongside bikes such as the Specialized Tarmac SL8<\/a>, Giant Propel Advanced<\/a> and Ridley Falcn RS<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The team bikes also feature a change of groupset, with Shimano\u2019s Dura-Ace Di2 R9200<\/a> replacing Campagnolo\u2019s Super Record<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Look pedals, Swiss Side wheels, Continental tyres, and finishing kit from Deda and Fizik complete the bike.<\/p>\n

The team has also unveiled its new time trial bike<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2006 wants its team back<\/h2>\n
\"Decathlon\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The Van Rysel RCR Pro is an all-rounder road bike designed for the demands of WorldTour racing.<\/span><\/figcaption> Liam Cahill \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Van Rysel, along with B\u2019Twin, is Decathlon\u2019s road and gravel bike brand, with the former catering to the performance market.<\/p>\n

After being absent from the WorldTour<\/a> since 2006 (when it sponsored AG2R Pr\u00e9voyance), Decathlon is back as a bike supplier, again to the AG2R setup, with a five-year deal that will see riders being consulted on future bike designs.<\/p>\n

The RCR Pro frameset is an all-rounder that has drawn many comparisons to the Specialized Tarmac SL7<\/a>, a bike that racked up a huge number of WorldTour wins.<\/p>\n

\"Van\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The frameset uses aero-optimised tube shapes throughout and has a fully integrated front end.<\/span><\/figcaption> Liam Cahill \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

With aero-optimised tube shapes and a claimed weight of 6.82kg (size unconfirmed), we would expect many of the Decathlon AG2R riders to use this bike for the majority of the 2024 season.<\/p>\n

However, Van Rysel has already revealed a dedicated aero road bike<\/a>, called the FCR, is on its way. AG2R\u2019s new sprinter, the 2021 Tour de France green jersey<\/a> winner, Sam Bennett, may therefore switch between the two depending on a race\u2019s terrain.<\/p>\n