Linus Gerdemann from Münster has been back in the peloton since the beginning of the year. Already in his first race, the Tropicale Amissa Bongo in Gabon, the most important stage race in Africa, he made people sit up and take notice with a top 5 result. In recent weeks, however, a viral illness has kept him away from the front of the peloton. However, there is still a long way to go before the Tour of Spain, the declared goal of the season for his team MTN-Qhubeka. So enough time to get in shape.
We took a closer look at the piece of equipment that accompanies him daily. Its centerpiece is a Madone frame from the Seven Series, supplied by team sponsor Trek. At the front, it features a 42-centimeter-wide FSA Omega Compact handlebar and a 140-millimeter-long FSA Energy stem.
At the front, Gerdemann uses two spacers to allow for a more relaxed riding position. Also noticeable in this area are the tapered head tube and the SRAM Red brakes. This is particularly interesting because the dual-pivot brake on the rear wheel is not from the American company, but from TRP.
Apart from that, Gerdemann can rely on a complete SRAM Red groupset. In addition to the classically spaced X-Glide chainrings, an SRM power meter is also integrated into the crankset. As a glance at the front derailleur cage reveals, the 2007 Tour de France stage winner is riding the new 11-speed version from the American company, the Red 22.
Another interesting detail is the speed sensor integrated into the struts. This allows a tidy look. The support struts, which do not have a bridge, are also nice in this context.
For training, Gerdemann uses the clincher version of Zipp's proven 404 carbon wheels. These are fitted with all-weather Durano Plus tires from Schwalbe. The saddle is the Selle Italia Flite.
The structure that we got in front of the lens weighed a little more than the 6,8 kilograms allowed in the race. However, this is mainly due to the wheels, which Gerdemann exchanges for racing.
