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Cancellara Victorious in Flanders

Fabian CancellaraTrek’s Fabian Cancellara has won his second successive Tour of Flanders after playing a final stretch waiting game in a four man group which saw less than 300m to go before the Swiss powerhouse made his move and drove Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing) and Sep Vanmarcke (Team Belkin) into second and third place respectively. Explaining his strategy Cancellara said, ‘I tried to ask Dirk [Demol – Trek Sports Director] through the radio how many seconds we had because the last thing I wanted was the others coming back. That would have been the end of the world. For the spectators at home I am sure it was an exciting track final. It was man against man and I just kept pushing to the end…’

 

But the closing few moments were far from the only exiting ones of the 259km race which saw a number of significant crashes, not least for Cancellara’s team mates; Stijn Devolder and Gregory Rast both went down at the 112km point (Devolder crashing later for a second time before the penultimate ascent of the Paterberg) with Yaroslav Popovych hitting the road a few kilometres further on. Popovych, whose crash resulted in hospitalisation, commented: ‘The only thing I knew is that I hit a lady in red with my handlebar. There is nothing broken, I am lucky… I may have a torn tendon in the hip. I could not walk at first and I was thinking the worst. I am very sad not to be able to finish the race, and especially to help at the end.’

 

Trek Factory Racing were not the only team to suffer the indignity of crashing at Flanders – Team Sky had their own share of misfortune with both Gabriel Rasch and Geraint Thomas tumbling. Thomas, who had also fallen at Cobbled Classic Gent-Wevelgem, managed to fight on despite a badly bruised back to finish in eighth place just 37seconds adrift of Cancellara.

 

Bradley Wiggins, a Flanders replacement for Ian Stannard who broke a vertebra after crashing at last weekend’s Gent-Wevelgem,  rolled in at +1:43 for 32nd place.

 

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News

Cancellara’s Domane Classic in Pictures

Fabian Cancellara’s truly beautiful Trek Domane – originally created for him for Paris-Roubaix – is now yours to own (for a little over £7k). It features:

 

Fast Pro Endurance geometry – Race-ready geometry puts you in a low and aggressive position, with a front end specifically designed for quicker handling.

 

Smoothest ride – Long days and rough roads are no match for IsoSpeed technology. Our innovative decoupler doubles vertical compliance so you ride stronger, longer.

 

‘Project One’ customisation – Don’t settle for anyone else’s bike. Spec the styling, fit, and components you desire through Trek’s best-in-class customisation programme.

 

High performanceOCLV Carbon frame. Race-optimised cable routing. World Champion Fabian Cancellara’s seal of approval. Performance doesn’t get any higher than this.

 

But forget the spec (or read more about it on Cyclo here) and just look at how damn gorgeous it looks. Spartacus, you are a lucky man…

Trek Domane Trek DomaneTrek Domane

Trek Domane

Trek Domane

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Trek Domane Released to Public

Trek DomaneThe Trek Domane designed specifically for Fabian Cancellara’s conquest of the cobbled classic, Paris-Roubaix, has been made available to the public through the Project One custom bike program. The Domane Classics Edition is purpose-built with Pro Endurance Geometry that provides a lower head tube and a longer wheel base for a more aggressive position, whilst frame highlights include additional tire clearance, a one-piece steel derailleur hanger/dropout for precise and durable shifting even on the roughest roads and foregoes fender mounts.

 

Trek’s Road Brand Manager Michael Mayer says, ‘This is a bike that riders have asked us about since we first unveiled the bike in 2012 and it’s really exciting to be able to offer it as a custom option with Project One. It’s a combination of the two ride qualities all cyclists covet; speed and a smooth ride. Add the millions of options Project One offers and you have an almost perfect bike. For the right rider, this bike is going to be the only bike they’ll ever want to ride again.’

 

First revealed in 2012 at the Ronde van Vlaanderen, the Trek Domane quickly gained a devoted following and picked up numerous accolades.  Fabian Cancellara commented on the release to the public, saying: ‘I believe it’s very cool that Trek makes “my” bike available to consumers… It’s a very special bike for me. Together Trek and I have put a lot of time and energy in the development of the Domane and I’m happy that it’s out there now.’

 

The custom-painted limited edition frames are hand-built at Trek’s Waterloo, WI global headquarters and are available in 54cm – 62cm. The Trek Domane Classics Edition will only be available as a complete bike build. And the price? At $11,519.99 this is one to put on your Christmas list…

 

Further details at trekbikes.com

 

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Trek Extends Deal with MTN-Qhubeka

Trek Extends Deal with MTN-QhubekaTrek Bicycle has announced that it is to extend its partnership through 2014 with Team MTN-Qhubeka, the first Professional Continental UCI team in Africa, who have enjoyed success at the highest level with Trek during 2013, including Gerald Ciolek’s victory at Milan-San Remo.  During the season, the team has used the Trek Madone Seven Series for the majority of action, whilst the Trek Domane was employed for the cobbled classics and the Trek Speed Concept during time trials.

 

Commenting on the extension of support of MTN-Qhubeka Trek VP Joe Vadeboncoeur said, ‘This partnership is bigger than cycling, and Trek is excited to be part of changing the face of racing… We believe that the bicycle is an agent of change in places like Africa, and MTN-Qhubeka is an agent of change in the world of bike racing. We are committed to the relationship and helping them continue moving towards the next level.’

MTN-Qhubeka Team Principal, Douglas Ryder, added: ‘We are really excited to extend with Trek for next year. The support and commitment to our Pro Conti team and feeder team from the Trek Race Shop is incredible and as an organization they are on the leading edge of the technology curve, which excites and motivates our athletes knowing that they are racing with the best equipment.’

 

Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung race to raise awareness for Qhubeka, an organisation working to mobilise people in Africa on bicycles. This work to earn model allows people to earn bicycles through various programmes like growing trees, recycling waste and increasing school attendance. For further information on their work the team see qhubeka.org

 

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Trek Strengthens Team

Trek Acquires WorldTour LicenseBack in June Trek Bicycle confirmed that it has bought the WorldTour licence of RadioShack-Leopard and would be effectively creating a new team for the 2014 season. Trek, a named sponsor since the team’s inception in 2010, have since been busy building the team and strengthening their position for the coming year; something which has now taken a step further with the announcement of agreements reached with a further six key riders. Stijn Devolder, Markel Irizar, Yaroslav Popovych, Gregory Rast, Hayden Roulston and Jesse Sergent will all now be adding their considerable weight and experience to a team led by multiple Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders winner Fabian Cancellara.

 

Trek Sports director Dirk Demol commented on the agreement: ‘This group of riders has been essential to Fabian’s success in 2012 and especially 2013. Their dedication to him was beyond belief. Fabian’s name is the one on the roll of honor of the great classic races that we all love, but these support riders were all ready to sacrifice themselves to the team’s interest. They are warriors, true unsung heroes. I am delighted and proud that we are able to keep this group together. From here on we keep on working hard, toward many more successes.’

 

Trek Sports Marketing Manager Simon Thompson added: ‘The combination of Dirk, Fabian and all these guys together make this the World’s most formidable Classics team… Only one guy gets to cross the line first, but it’s not possible to win the world’s toughest one-day races without the best team and support around you. This group embodies everything that is great about the Trek Factory Racing Team; they are passionate and committed to go to war for one another and the success of the team’

 

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Featured News

Jens Voigt – New Wheels

Jens Voigt Trek MadoneWhen we reported  that the perennially popular Jens Voigt had made the decision not to retire at the end of the year (quelle surprise), but rather stay with the reformed/rebranded Trek, it came as no great shock. At the age of 41 Voigt is the oldest rider still competing professionally and despite reported offers from the likes of Team Sky, the logical place for his (possibly) final season always seemed to be Trek and given the very shiny and undeniably gorgeous Trek Madone he’ll be enjoying this cannot have been the toughest decision of his career. Whilst we look forward to watching the ever-flamboyant Jens Voigt through 2014, you can enjoy these pictures of the Madone (though maybe not as much as he’s going to enjoy riding it…)

 

Jens Voigt Trek Madone

Jens Voigt Trek Madone

Jens Voigt Trek Madone

Jens Voigt Trek Madone

Jens Voigt Trek Madone

 

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Jens Voigt Signs at Trek

Jens VoigtDespite rumored offers from the likes of Team Sky and Saxo Bank, one of the most popular riders in the pro peloton, Jens Voigt, has announced that he is to stay put for one final (!?) season at RadioShack – or more correctly the reformed, rebranded Trek. The 41-year-old – the oldest rider still competing professionally – had initially indicated that 2013 would be his swansong year, but has now reached an agreement with Trek to ride for them through the 2014 season, much to the delight of fans who continue to enjoy the sheer style of one of the most interesting and flamboyant cyclists of the modern age.

 

‘I’m glad Trek and I got to an agreement for 2014,’ commented Voigt, ‘It’s been three crazy years for me on Trek, with a lot of highlights, and I’m happy that we can go on for another year… Looking at the young kids: I see the future. They are ready to spread their wings. But maybe I can close one more gap for them, or teach them something from my years of experience. I feel I still have some gas left in the tank, so I can’t wait for what’s coming!’

 

Commenting on the highly anticipated agreement Trek Vice-President Joe Vadeboncoeur said,  ‘There has seldom been a foot soldier like Jens Voigt; he is the ultimate hardman. He attacks, he works like a dog, he crashes – and he gets up and does it all again the next day… Trek is honored to have Jens finish his career here.’

 

It is still undecided as to which races Jens Voigt will compete in next year and Trek is still in the process of building its 2014 team roster, but further announcements are expected soon.

 

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Fabian Cancellara Rides on for Trek

Fabian Cancellara Rides on for TrekThe 2013 Ronde Van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix champion, Fabian Cancellara, has announced – via twitter – that he will be joining the newly formed Trek WorldTour Team from next year. Cancellara tweeted ‘Here we go! Excited to make anouncement on my future! CC: @TrekBikes’.

 

Away from the character-count restrictions of twitter the Swiss pro – nicknamed ‘Spartacus’ – was more effusive, explaining, ‘There was a lot of speculation around my professional future in the last couple of weeks – even months; That’s why I’m really happy to confirm that I will stay with the Trek family… This is a big opportunity for me as a bike rider and it will allow me to develop even more on the sporting side. Because that’s what I’m in for: winning bike races, not sitting out until I retire. I’m motivated to get the maximum out of my career and I’m really proud it’s going to be on a Trek… I want to be part of this new project and I have no doubt that it’s going to be great!’

 

Commenting on Cancellara’s commitment to the new project Trek VP Joe Vadeboncoeur added, ‘We’re looking to build a team that is a perennial force in the classics, and who better to work with than the King himself? ‘Great Athletes Ride Trek’ is something we believe in and Fabian exemplifies the type of athlete that we are looking to partner with.’

 

For more on Trek’s acquiring of their new WorldTour license see Cyclo News.