Top Specialized riders Contador and Cavendish hit the wind tunnel, Nibali thinking of Milan-Sanremo
American-based bicycle manufacturer Specialized continues its partnership with McLaren, which spawned the Specialized McLaren Venge, utilized in particular by former world champion Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma-Quick Step).
Three of the biggest stars in the Specialized stable, Cavendish, Vincenzo Nibali (Astana), and Alberto Contador (Saxo-Tinkoff) dropped by McLaren headquarters outside of London on Wednesday, in Woking, Surrey. Cavendish and Contador took advantage of the McLaren wind tunnel, while Nibali has inquired about a machine that could help carry him to his first Milan-Sanremo title.
The Specialized McLaren Venge was created several years ago with laser-point precision, using multiple types of carbon fibers, spaced in a way to achieve the desired amounts of stiffness, strength, and weight.
Nibali is reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport to have sought out the top man in the Specialized research department on the subject of getting a bike specially built for his run at Milan-Sanremo. The former podium finisher was accompanied at McLaren headquarters by faithful Astana lieutenant Alessandro Vanotti.
The biggest Italian Classic seemed to occupy most of the Astana rider’s thoughts.
“Milan-Sanremo will be raced in an alternate way,” Nibali said according to La Gazzetta. “I have to find time to go the new ascent of Pompeiana. Last year, without all the cold, I would have attacked on the Cipressa. This year, I want to try that again,” Nibali said of the climb that crests more than 30 kilometres out from the finish in Sanremo.
And though they ride for the same manufacturer, Nibali spurned the idea of a July alliance with Contador to take on Chris Froome (Sky Procycling).
Meanwhile, time honing his position in the McLaren wind tunnel had Cavendish thinking of Grand Tour stage wins again.
“The Tour starts in Leeds this year, a stone’s throw from my house,” Cavendish said. “I can win six or seven stages. But I’d also like to be at the Giro d’Italia, where there will be many opportunities for the sprinters.