Mathieu van der Poel used a custom 1x drivetrain featuring a Shimano XTR mountain bike rear derailleur and a 56-tooth Digirit carbon chainring during Stage 4 of the Tour de France. According to reporting by Velo, the Alpecin-Premier Tech rider deployed this non-standard setup to maximize aerodynamics on the flat terrain leading into the Pyrénées.
Van der Poel’s Custom Shimano 1x Setup
While 1x configurations are common for sprinters using SRAM, they are rare on Shimano-equipped bikes within the WorldTour, particularly for teams with official Shimano sponsorships.
The most striking modification is the 56-tooth Digirit carbon chainring. Velo noted that these "rogue components" were visible on the team car before the start in Carcassonne.
Aerodynamic Gains and the Canyon Aeroad
The move appears to be a tactical effort to replicate the performance of the latest Canyon Aeroad specifications. Canyon recently claimed at Eurobike that its updated Aeroad is the fastest bike at the Tour de France, citing a drag figure of 198 watts. That flagship design relies on a SRAM Red 1x groupset and a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH).
Since Alpecin-Premier Tech is a marquee Shimano partner, the team cannot simply switch to SRAM. Instead, the mechanics created a custom workaround using XTR mountain bike parts to achieve a similar aerodynamic profile. This setup allows Van der Poel to maintain the speed of a large chainring without the drag of a double-ring system.
Strategic Application in the Tour de France
The choice of equipment is dictated by the stage profile. The route from Carcassonne to Foix offered flat terrain where a second chainring was unnecessary, making the 1x system a logical choice for efficiency. According to Velo, Van der Poel was the only rider on the team using this specific configuration, highlighting his unique influence over his equipment choices.
The team is expected to deploy this setup again during flat and windy stages, such as the leg to Bordeaux, where the aerodynamic advantages of a 1x system are most pronounced.
1x Road vs. Traditional 2x Setup
| Feature | Traditional Road (2x) | Van der Poel’s Custom 1x |
|---|---|---|
| Aerodynamics | Higher drag due to front derailleur | Lower drag; streamlined profile |
| Components | Standard Road Groupset | XTR MTB Derailleur + Digirit Ring |
| Weight | Standard | Reduced (no front shifter/derailleur) |
| Versatility | Better for steep climbing | Optimized for flat/rolling speed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use a mountain bike derailleur on a road bike?
Is this setup legal in the WorldTour?
What is a Digirit chainring?
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