Rabobank riders had team prototype Vittoria tubulars. They are directional and you can just see the arrow that indicates it on the right of the photo. Photo: Nick Legan
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NEVADA CITY, Calif. (VN) — Aussies are known for getting to the line quickly in a bunch sprint. The latest two-wheeled bullet to come out of the land Down Under is Michael “Bling” Matthews. He’s already the current U-23 world champion thanks to a final kick in Geelong that left Taylor Phinney and others in his wake.
The 5-foot-10 20-year-old rides, like all his Rabobank teammates, a Giant TCR Advanced SL. This will soon change though, as Giant is about to announce a new top-of-the-line road machine. For now he’s rolling on a full Shimano-equipped Giant with Di2 sprint shifters, prototype carbon pedals and C35 mid-section wheels. Fi’zi:k handles saddles and Tacx takes care of carrying bottles.
Rabobank riders had team prototype Vittoria tubulars. They are directional and you can just see the arrow that indicates it on the right of the photo. Photo: Nick Legan
His name may be Michael Matthews, but the Australian goes by Bling. Photo: Nick Legan
Despite the foul weather on the way to the start of stage 2, all of Rabobank’s bikes looked sparkling clean. Must be some Dutch mechanic magic at play, or maybe just a wipedown upon arrival. Photo: Nick Legan
Matthews runs the Di2 accessory sprint shifter and much higher than most others using it. But then, that’s the beauty of an accessory shifter with lots of room for personalization. Photo: Nick Legan
Bling was riding a pair of prototype 7900 carbon pedals. The carbon version is now in production but it would seem his prototype pair are still working well. Photo: Nick Legan
Shimano’s blue brake pad for carbon wheels has been exceptionally well received by the pro peloton. Photo: Nick Legan
Bling likes his fi’zi:k Aliante pointed slightly nose down. Photo: Nick Legan
PRO carbon Vibe OS handlebars keep Matthews pointed towards the finish line. Photo: Nick Legan
172.5mm crank arms are preferred by the 5-foot-10 sprinter. Photo: Nick Legan
Giant includes a cable routing guide for the front Di2 derailleur. A cable tie keeps everything where it should be. Photo: Nick Legan
The internal routing for the Di2 gets the job done, even if it looks a little crude. Photo: Nick Legan
The cable routing for the rear brake is directly under the top tube and the housing runs through the top tube to the rear brake. Very slick. Photo: Nick Legan
