Pogačar’s Paris-Roubaix Bike Setup: Aero, Tyres & Winning Mods
Tadej Pogačar’s relentless pursuit of victory at Milan-San Remo on wasn’t just a testament to his exceptional talent, but also to his resilience in the face of adversity. The Slovenian superstar crossed the finish line in San Remo, outsprinting Tom Pidcock, but the story behind his triumph reveals a ride completed under remarkably challenging circumstances.
Pogačar, riding a Colnago V5Rs, crashed on the run-in to the Cipressa, a key climb in the race finale. What initially appeared to be a potentially race-ending incident quickly morphed into a display of sheer determination. However, the extent of the damage to his bike, revealed only after the finish, was startling. Pogačar completed the final kilometers – and secured the win – on a cracked frame with a rear brake rubbing against the braking surface.
“Only after the finish did we realise Tadej had ridden the finale on a cracked frame,” explained Pogačar’s mechanic, Boštjan Kavčnik, to Slovenian outlet Delo.si. “The rear triangle was damaged, but fortunately it held together. The disc was also rubbing against the braking surface.” The revelation underscores the extraordinary nature of Pogačar’s victory, a win snatched from the jaws of potential mechanical failure.
This year’s Milan-San Remo saw Pogačar continuing a trend of pushing the boundaries of bike setup. While many riders opted for standard aero machines, Pogačar had already committed to using Colnago’s aero machine, the Y1Rs, for the cobbled sections of the race. This decision followed a shift last year, where he reverted to the older V4Rs for the cobbled classics, a departure from the newer Colnago Y1Rs.
The commitment to the Y1Rs is evident in the meticulous preparation undertaken by Pogačar and his team. Kavčnik confirmed that the team conducted multiple reconnaissance rides on the cobblestones, gathering data to optimize equipment and settings. According to a contact at Colnago, Pogačar completed a fourth recon ride this year, demonstrating a dedication to conquering the challenging terrain.
Pogačar’s bike setup for the race was clearly optimized for speed and efficiency, even at the risk of pushing components to their limits. Images released by Pogačar himself indicate the use of Continental GP5000 S TR tires, seemingly at the maximum capacity of the frame. The tight clearance between the tires and the frame suggests a relentless pursuit of aerodynamic advantage.
Further modifications included a switch from a standard computer mount to a more robust alloy version, likely to prevent breakage, and double-wrapping the bar tape for increased comfort on the rough roads. Pogačar also opted for a 1x setup, utilizing a CarbonTi chainring and a K-Edge chain keeper, a configuration that prioritizes weight reduction and simplicity.
Notably, Pogačar replaced his usual high-end Richard Mille watch with a smartwatch for the race, a pragmatic decision given the potential for injury. Last year’s Paris-Roubaix saw the crown of his luxury watch cut into his hand, prompting a more cautious approach this time around.
The victory at Milan-San Remo marks a significant milestone in Pogačar’s career, his first triumph in the prestigious one-day race. During the race, Pogačar found himself in a decisive trio with Tom Pidcock and Mathieu van der Poel on the Cipressa. Reflecting on that moment, Pogačar admitted to questioning whether he would once again settle for a podium finish. “When there were three of us at the top of the Cipressa, I thought: am I going to finish on the podium again and be disappointed? Or am I going to try again on the Poggio and win the sprint this time?” he said.
Pogačar’s determination and ability to overcome adversity proved decisive. Despite the mechanical issues and the fierce competition, he managed to drop Van der Poel and then outsprint Pidcock on the line, securing a memorable victory. The win not only adds another prestigious title to Pogačar’s palmarès but also solidifies his reputation as one of the most formidable riders in the peloton.
The story of Pogačar’s Milan-San Remo win is a compelling reminder that success in professional cycling is often forged not just through talent and preparation, but also through the ability to adapt, persevere, and overcome unexpected challenges. Riding a damaged bike, Pogačar demonstrated a level of grit and determination that will be remembered as a defining moment in his career.