HTC-Highroad's Danny Pate rolls his Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3 through a turn during stage 2 of the Tour Down Under.
(Photos: Yuzuru Sunada)
HTC-HIGHROAD
HTC-Highroad continues its relationship with Shimano, with their Specialized frames outfitted with Di2. Shimano-owned Dutch parts company PRO is supplying the stem and handlebars, while Elite provides bottle cages and Fizik offers riders a place to sit. HTC-Highroad doesn't have a wheel sponsor, so look for either blank rims or ones with "Highroad" decals this season, wrapped in Continental tires.
An SRM power meter is mated to the Dura-Ace cranks. Note the mounting bracket for a Di2 battery forward of the chainrings, underneath the down tube.
This is Aussie Matt Goss' rig, and he rode it to first place at the TDU's Cancer Council Criterium - his massive PRO stem is definitely a sprinter's piece, designed to withstand the massive power put out by the fastest men on two wheels.
SAXO BANK - SUNGARD
Saxo Bank-Sungard's Baden Cooke of Australia powers his Tarmac SL3 through stage 4 of the 2011 TDU.
Saxo's Specialized frames feature a SRAM Red drivetrain complete with SRM power meters and Specialized's own components, including stems, handlebars and seat posts. Rolling on Zipp wheels wrapped in Specialized S-Works tires, the Saxo boys sit atop Prologo saddles and have their water bottles held in place by Tacx cages.
SRM computers are mounted to Specialized handlebars - the clean, white frame with blue accents is sharp-looking, but the black on black on black cockpit is a bit drab.
Saxo Bank-Sungard will continue to run Speedplay pedals in 2011, some of which are crafted in a custom light blue - this year's color trend of the peloton.
ASTANA
Astana's Tanel Kangert streaks through an Aussie canyon during stage 4 of the TDU.
Like Saxo, Astana outfits their Tarmac frames with SRAM Red and Tacx bottle cages. But instead of more Specialized components, Astana is running FSA stems, handlebars and seat posts topped with Selle Italia saddles. This is Kazakh Maxim Gourov's ride, complete with a nice Kazakhstan-themed paint job.
Astana's bikes feature FSA stems and handlebars capped with SRAM Red shifters.
Corima, a Spanish wheel-maker and new Astana sponsor, supplies the team with hoops, which are wrapped in Specialized S-Works tires.