Monster chainring and aero gains: Victor Campenaerts' Paris-Roubaix Ridley

Monster chainring and aero gains: Victor Campenaerts' Paris-Roubaix Ridley

The Belgian rider's Lotto-Soudal team bike has an aggressive position and the bling to match

Photos: Richard Abraham

Victor Campenaerts has been unmissable so far this Classics season. Though he’s yet to get a stand-out result, the Belgian has been an instigator of the action in the biggest races of the year. Previously a time-trial specialist, Campenaerts is constantly hoping that one of his attacks will pay off and he’ll go solo to the finish line. His Lotto-Soudal team bike will be a key vehicle in helping him achieve his goal. With an aggressive aerodynamic position and huge chainrings, it is optimised to assist a lone, long-range effort.

After the Lotto-Soudal rider’s recon of the Hell of the North, we were able to get a close-up look at his Ridley Noah team bike and were taken aback by just how severe his position really is. As the UCI bans aero tucks such as ‘puppy paws’ Campenaerts and his mechanics have adjusted his bike as much as possible to aid the Belgian in getting as low and narrow as possible on the road.

Related: Paris-Roubaix 2022 Preview

Campenaerts' narrow handlebars had the Shimano Dura-Ace shifters pointed aggressively inwards, using a Deda bar and stem combination alongside an aero mount for his head unit. Lizard Skins bar tape finished off the cockpit set-up.

The other striking feature of Campenaerts’ bike was his huge 58T chainring. After Dwars door Vlaanderen, other riders commented that they were unable to follow the Belgian on the descents due to the huge gear (in contrast, Tom Pidcock rides a 53T chainring). The gear ratio also aids a smoother chain line for maximum efficiency. We’re liking the gold chain too, maximum bling.

Related: Michał Kwiatkowski's Paris-Roubaix ready Pinarello Dogma F

The Belgian rider was running 30c Vittoria Corsa Control tyres in a tubeless set-up, maxing out the clearance on his Ridley. The team mechanics likely made this call due to the dry weather forecast for Paris-Roubaix this year. Interestingly, Campenaerts was riding Continental GP5000 tyres at the Tour of Flanders a few weeks ago, despite Vittoria being named as sponsors for Lotto Soudal. Campenaerts' is using shallower DT Swiss wheels than he did at the Tour of Flanders too, opting for a 50mm rather than 62mm rim depth.

Photos: Richard Abraham

READ MORE

Tour of Flanders 2025 men preview: Is there any beating Tadej Pogačar?

Tour of Flanders 2025 men preview: Is there any beating Tadej Pogačar?

Rouleur takes a look at the favourites for De Ronde this Sunday

Leer más
‘Social media is a cancer of society’ - This is how Tadej Pogačar is doing things his own way

‘Social media is a cancer of society’ - This is how Tadej Pogačar is doing things his own way

The world champion says that making his own choices, keeping things fun and blocking out the noise is crucial to his success 

Leer más
Tour of Flanders 2025 women preview - Can Elisa Longo Borghini achieve back-to-back wins?

Tour of Flanders 2025 women preview - Can Elisa Longo Borghini achieve back-to-back wins?

The UAE Team ADQ rider starts as favourite on Sunday but she faces tough competition from the likes of SD Worx-Protime

Leer más
Tour de France in the Basque Country 2023

Itzulia Basque Country 2025 preview: route, predictions, and contenders

An overview of the punishing six-day race in northern Spain, which this year promises to be an open and exciting affair

Leer más
Wout van Aert at Dwars door Vlaanderen 2025

Does Visma's Dwars door Vlaanderen disappointment reveal the blueprint for Flanders victory?

Dutch team’s challenging Classic’s campaign continues after three teammates squander winning opportunity at Dwars door Vlaanderen

Leer más
Juan Ayuso is coming good on his enormous potential: ‘He’s getting better and better every day’

Juan Ayuso is coming good on his enormous potential: ‘He’s getting better and better every day’

The young Spaniard almost won his second successive WorldTour stage race, but despite having to settle for second at the Volta a Catalunya, he is...

Leer más

READ RIDE REPEAT

JOIN ROULEUR TODAY

Get closer to the sport than ever before.

Enjoy a digital subscription to Rouleur for just £4 per month and get access to our award-winning magazines.

SUBSCRIBE