Sunday 8 April saw the biggest one-day race of the year: the legendary Paris-Roubaix. About 200 riders set out from Compiègne (near Paris), and after six hours, 257km and 29 cobbled sectors, the winner was crowned in the fabled Roubaix velodrome. After an uncommonly warm and dusty race – not a leg warmer in sight – the world champion entered the velodrome with just one companion having outsmarted his fellow favourites 50km further down the road. It was Peter Sagan who raised his arms in victory, silencing the doubters and rounding off a successful classics campaign. We look at the vital kit, equipment and nutrition that helped get Sagan onto the top step of the podium in such style.
S-Works Roubaix
Peter Sagan’s team, Bora-Hansgrohe, is one of two WorldTour squads supported by Specialized, statistically the ‘winningest’ bike manufacturer on the planet. For Paris-Roubaix, the Specialized teams were riding the purpose-built S-Works Roubaix, naturally. This year’s model is the third iteration to incorporate the innovative Future Shock suspension system (basically a piston or spring in the head tube), and Sagan’s win marks the unique bike’s first victory at the race it was made for.
Specialized Evade helmet
Keeping their supported teams safe was the new Evade helmet from Specialized, given a refresh for 2018. Lighter, with better ventilation, and benefiting from an even more aerodynamic design, the Evade proved to be the perfect headgear for a champion. It’s also a popular choice for amateur weekend warriors, but if aero is not your bag then there’s always the more versatile Prevail.
S-Works 7 road shoes
Launched at the same time as the new Evade helmet in January this year, the S-Works 7 road shoes are Sagan’s footwear of choice, he’s even had custom – gold, obviously – designs made in the past. The S-Works 7 are a development of the super-stiff, efficient and light S-Works 6, and they’re even better this year with a custom Boa fastening system, more breathable material and a redesigned heel cup. Oh, and guess what: The almost-perfect S-Works 6 shoes are still available and on sale in limited sizes, so get shopping before they go!
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt computer
Since the beginning of the season, news has been flying in from young American company Wahoo Fitness as they continue to announce partnerships with some of the biggest and best cycling teams in the world. Bora-Hansgrohe was one of the first, with Peter Sagan and co. now training and racing with the intuitive and discreet Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. This understated little device is designed not only for the obvious ride measurement functionality you’d expect from a cycling computer, but it is also created with aerodynamics in mind, promising to significantly reduce drag thanks to its uniquely streamlined profile.
High5 nutrition
Nothing is left to chance in professional cycling and food is a major focus. Every pro team has a dedicated nutrition brand on board which exclusively supplies racing and training fuel to the riders. High5 is the brand attached to Bora-Hansgrohe with everything from energy gels and carbohydrate drinks, to protein and recovery.
Sadly, we can’t pretend that filling our own lives with the equipment and nutrition of a champion will get us to the same level, but with some race- and cobble-proven kit, we can expect a boost in performance and morale even on the pock-marked roads of Britain. We could all benefit from taking a leaf out of the world champion’s book!
