{"id":671466,"date":"2026-07-03T10:29:37","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T10:29:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/671466\/"},"modified":"2026-07-03T10:29:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T10:29:37","slug":"pogacar-vs-vingegaard-battle-of-the-tt-bikes-very-different-tyre-strategies-massive-chainrings-and-old-bike-computers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/671466\/","title":{"rendered":"Poga\u010dar vs Vingegaard: Battle of the TT bikes – Very different tyre strategies, massive chainrings, and old bike computers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2026 Tour de France kicks off with an unusual take on the team time trial, in which times are taken individually for each rider. The yellow jersey is on the line for the fastest rider over the 19.6km course, and that means riders are here in Barcelona with their time trial bikes optimised to the Nth degree.<\/p>\n

We’ve already seen that Remco Evenepoel has a brand new Specialized Shiv TT time trial bike<\/a>, and no time trial is complete without a mention of his name in the running, but what of the two hot favourites for the GC by the time we get to Paris in three weeks, Tadej Poga\u010dar and Jonas Vingegaard?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Cyclingnews tech team are here in Barcelona for the Grand D\u00e9part, and in our tour of the team hotel car parks over the past two days, we were able to spend time with both of their ‘number one’ time trial bikes; i.e. the bike they will respectively roll down the start ramp aboard.<\/p>\n

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So here in this article, we’ll pit the duo head-to-head. Who has the biggest chainring? Are they running one-by or two-by groupsets? Who has the deepest front wheel? And who’s bike is coolest?<\/p>\n

The bikes themselves <\/p>\n

\n

\"Tadej\n<\/p>\n

Poga\u010dar is riding the new Colnago TT2 (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)<\/p>\n

\n

\"Jonas\n<\/p>\n

Vingegaard is riding a raw, unpainted Cerv\u00e9lo P5 (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)<\/p>\n

First up, we’ll look at the bikes themselves. Poga\u010dar is using a Colnago TT2 time trial machine, the newly launched time trial bike that Colnago brought out recently. The headline for this bike is that it saves around 500 grams over the previous TT1 bike he used last year, whilst still being just about as aero.<\/p>\n

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Vingegaard is riding the Cervelo P5, which, as far as we know, has remained the same for a while. This bike has a raw carbon finish, whilst a lot of the other team bikes had full, glossy black and yellow team paint.<\/p>\n

The machines above were the riders’ number 1 time trial bikes, and we believe the bikes they will ride on Saturday and later in the race.<\/p>\n

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n

Handlebars <\/p>\n

Image 1 of 7<\/p>\n

\"TadejPoga\u010dar’s extensions are raised up, and at an angle, they are almost certainly totally custom for him. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"TadejThere’s foam pading on the arm rests and further up near the hand holds too.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"TadejGrip tape on the base bar, plus two pairs of di2 shifters per side. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"TadejThe Wahoo Bolt computer gets tucked inbetween the extensions neatly.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"TadejDi2 shifters tucked neatly inside the hand holds at the end of the bars.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"TadejWe watched a mechanic use a glue gun to attach this extra shifter.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"TadejHere’s the overall setup; it’s pretty mean looking.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )<\/p>\n

Both bikes were fitted with carbon fibre, custom time trial bars, and whilst we didn’t have time to measure every dimension, we got a good look at them.<\/p>\n

Both riders use grip tape on the base bars, and we were struck by just how low Vingegaard’s base bar was; it felt extreme.<\/p>\n

It also had a weight sticker underneath, which you can see below.<\/p>\n

What to read next<\/p>\n

Both riders had Shimano and SRAM shifters at the ends of the extensions, and both riders had shifters glued onto the insides of their base bars.<\/p>\n

They had their computers tucked neatly in between the extensions, but one key difference is the Visma ‘mono’ extension riser versus the dual risers on Poga\u010dar’s machine.<\/p>\n

Interestingly Vingegaard is opting to use an older Garmin computer, likely due to the smaller size.<\/p>\n

Image 1 of 9<\/p>\n

\"JonasVingegaard’s extensions are branded Vision, and are also likely completely custom for him. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"Jonas517 grams; this is very interesting. A way for the team to easily track weight maybe? (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasSRAM blip shifters on the underside of the bar ends. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasThe extensions are attached to the base bar with a single vertical pillar. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasThe ‘stem’ here is really sculpted and angular. Spot the white paint marker on the base bar ‘stem’.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasIt looked striking in the flesh. Angular and purposeful. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasWhat struck us was just how low the base bars are, it felt extreme holding it, and you would need to be completely confident with a bike like this. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasAn older Garmin Edge 540 computer tucked neatly in between the extensions. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasThere it is, a very neat and slick setup. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )Drivetrain and gearing <\/p>\n

Image 1 of 4<\/p>\n

\"JonasVingegaard has a 64-tooth SRAM 1x aero chainring. 160mm cranks for the Danish star too.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasThe lowest gear won’t be too small with that 64-ring and this 10-36 cassette.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasHe had a fully waxed drivetrain and a SRAM Red chain too.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasAnd a Wolf Tooth chain catcher, as officially reccomended by SRAM.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )<\/p>\n

Despite running different groupset brands, Vingegaard and Poga\u010dar will be using similar drivetrain configurations. This includes the same size front chainring of 64 teeth, and both are on 160mm cranks.<\/p>\n

Vingegaard had 160mm carbon fibre SRAM Red cranks, with a 64-tooth aero chainring. I wasn’t able to get a max tooth count on the cassette, but it looks like a 10-36.<\/p>\n

His bike was also fitted with a chain catcher from Wolf Tooth, and I know from recently speaking to Jenco Drost, the team’s head of performance<\/a>, that the team regularly hot waxes its chains.<\/p>\n

I understand each bike has a freshly waxed chain for every race; they have also experimented with the optimum amount of run-in kilometres for a race chain so it\u2019s as fast as possible.<\/p>\n

Image 1 of 7<\/p>\n

\"TadejHere’s Poga\u010dar’s setup, Dura-Ace cranks and a 1x chainring. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"TadejThe team were also running a K-Edge UAE custom chain catcher. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"Tadej11-30tooth cassette for Poga\u010dar here. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"TadejThe bike had been fitted with gold Carbon-Ti aftermarket parts like the hanger and pulley wheel bolts. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"Tadej160mm cranks for Poga\u010dar.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"TadejAs well as a 64-tooth chainring too. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"TadejThis is the aero Bikone bottom bracket with a totally smooth threaded cup. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )<\/p>\n

Poga\u010dar is using Shimano equipment with some aftermarket parts, and Vingegaard is using SRAM.<\/p>\n

The Colnago TT2 had Dura-Ace cranks in a 160mm length, paired with a monster 64-tooth Carbon-Ti 1x chainring, whilst an 11-30 Dura-Ace cassette was fitted at the rear, though of course this could change come Saturday.<\/p>\n

Poga\u010dar’s bike had a K-Edge chain catcher fitted, and an ‘aero’ Bikone bottom bracket with a smooth threaded left-hand cup.<\/p>\n

Wax- or lube-wise, Poga\u010dar has been said to use Absolute Black chain lube, but I also saw a mechanic applying Silca Synergetic to a different team bike. It looked like a wax-based product had been applied, but the chain didn’t look fresh out of an immersive wax.<\/p>\n

Wheels and tyres <\/p>\n

Image 1 of 3<\/p>\n

\"JonasVingegaard was running 30mm Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed tyres.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasThe tyres were set up tubeless, but were a good bit larger than Poga\u010dar’s.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasHere’s the tubeless valve inside the disc wheel, which bore a date of 05.2026. Perhaps the sealant setup or manufacture date.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )<\/p>\n

Wheels-wise, both riders are using disc wheels and deep section front wheels; at least we assume they will on race day.<\/p>\n

Vingegaard is using a Reserve Infinity disc, with an inner width of 24.5mm, paired with a Reserve 77mm deep front wheel.<\/p>\n

The biggest difference is in tyre sizes; Vingegaard\u2019s bike was fitted with 30mm Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed, which were set up tubeless.<\/p>\n

Poga\u010dar\u2019s wheels were fitted with 25mm Continental GP5000 TT tyres; a 25mm tyre is something we haven\u2019t seen in quite a while. The tyres may size up a little larger on the new Enve wheels, but the team may have decided the narrower, and likely aerodynamically faster, 25mm.<\/p>\n

Image 1 of 3<\/p>\n

\"TadejPoga\u010dar was running Continental GP5000 TT tyres, the brand’s fastest.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"TadejHere’s the tubeless valve, both Enve wheels also had ‘TP’ marked on them by hand. Perhaps some extra work had gone into them. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"A25mm tyres front and back were fitted. The team must have decided they are the fastest option. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )Saddles, seatposts and extras <\/p>\n

Image 1 of 6<\/p>\n

\"JonasA Prologo TGale TT saddle for Vingegaard.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasNote what appears to be an added aero cover at the back of the seatpost clamp. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasThe saddle was set pretty far back on the seatpost, and there’s a lot of adjustability. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasThe post sits very flush against the frame. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasVingegaard’s name was on the rear of the seatstay junction. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"JonasThe P5 uses a bayonet style fork, which the Colnago TT2 has now eschewed in favour of user-friendliness. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )<\/p>\n

Both riders are using time trial or triathlon-specific saddles from their team sponsors.<\/p>\n

Poga\u010dar is using the Fizik Transiro Aeris 3D-printed model, which weighs in at a claimed 190 grams.<\/p>\n

Vingegaard is using a more extreme-looking Prologo TGale TT model, which weighs a claimed 252 grams for the carbon-railed model.<\/p>\n

In terms of extras, both bikes had minimal paint; Vingegaard\u2019s frame looked pretty raw, Poga\u010dar\u2019s had a slightly more normal finish.<\/p>\n

Image 1 of 5<\/p>\n

\"TadejIt’s a Fizik Aeris 1.0 TT saddle for Poga\u010dar.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"TadejThis was the defending Tour champion’s main TT bike. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"TadejThe TT2’s seatstays are far more regular looking than the extreme shape of the TT1.(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"TadejUCI rider height categories dictate handlebar setup; both Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard are in category one. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )\"TadejThe TT2 still has a very compact headtube. (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )<\/p>\n

Both bikes looked fast standing still, and in a few days we will see which one of cycling’s Grand Tour titans draws first blood.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The 2026 Tour de France kicks off with an unusual take on the team time trial, in which…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":671467,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[4985,101,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-671466","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cycling","tag-cycling","tag-sports","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/671466","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=671466"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/671466\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/671467"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=671466"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=671466"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=671466"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}