JANU.19 - DECATHLON Presse
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#wearecyclists JANU.19 02 1 mag#2.indd 1 27/12/2018 08:30:41
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ÉDITO #WEARECYCLISTS
Congratulations, thank you and welcome.
Congratulations because many of you have responded to our requests
for the DECATHLON employee survey, the road bike recording the best
progression of all sports.
Thank you because your feedback and encouragement feeds our
motivation to share with you our passion for road cycling.
Welcome to the countries (Germany, Belgium, Spain, Holland, Italy and
UK) who immediately took the wheel of France for this number 2.
2019 is an important year for road cycling at DECATHLON, the official
emergence of our two signatures TRIBAN and VAN RYSEL that
characterize our commitment to provide cyclists and cyclo-athletes
around the world with products to practice their sport safely and the
best value for money.
Finally welcome to our customers who will browse this mag, even if it is
designed for our teams, it is the desire to communicate and share our
passion that drives us.
Whether by chance, interest or passion we are convinced that above
#WeAreCyclists - numéro 2
A publication of the teams Vélo Vélo Route all, what brings us together is the pleasure of sharing the discovery, the
Decathlon France. performance, the surpassing of oneself with a road bike.
Wording : Alexandre Chenivesse, It is these moments of strength and the trust you place in us that
#wearecyclists
Yann Carré, Quentin Le Claire, sometimes you do us the honor of pushing the door of our physical or
Quentin Barreau
Photographes : Quentin Le Claire,
virtual stores.
Damien Lecarpentier, Gus Sev,
Pascal Giroire Whether to chat, buy, share, cheer or even moan, you will always be
Model : Alexandre Chenivesse,
Correction : Yann Carré, Lionel Lachlan welcome.
Print : Imprimerie Guillaume
N SENS all rights reserved - January 2019
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CONTENTS
8 On your bike: long live road cycling
10 Riding into your comfort zone
#wearecyclists
16 True grit… gravel riding
18 The new bike touring shoe
20 Tuscany, embracing the clichés
26 The best equipment for bike touring
4
mag#2.indd 4 27/12/2018 08:30:50
Asciano -Italie , début octobre 2018.
#wearecyclists
BIKE TOURING 5
mag#2.indd 5 27/12/2018 08:30:52
CONTENTS
38 Van|Rysel: what’s in a name 60 A windproof jacket that’ll blow you away
44 The history of performance road bikes at Decathlon
#wearecyclists
62 Our 2019 bike range up for grabs
50 Behind the scenes of PNPL 2.0 64 New Di2 groupset: hints and tips
54 Love is in the aisles 66 Our Cyclosport selection
56 Ambitious technical partners 68 Nutritional advice
58 Get meshed this summer 70 Recovery advice
6
mag#2.indd 6 27/12/2018 08:30:55
25 October 2018: a summer photoshoot for B’TWIN | AG2R LA MONDIALE’s U19
juniors, on the trails of Plateau Matheysine (Isère, south-east France).
#wearecyclists
CYCLOSPORT 7
mag#2.indd 7 27/12/2018 08:30:58
O N YOU R BIKE:
LON G LIVE R OA D C YC L IN G
TRIBAN is the road bike that’s built more for comfort than speed. Forget
about the clock and feel the rush of wind on your face, let off steam with
friends, or soak up some spectacular scenery. The sense of freedom and
adventure starts at the first bend. Eric, the head of the Triban team, tells us
more about who road cycling is aimed at.
#wearecyclists
8
mag#2.indd 8 27/12/2018 08:31:03
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO… GET STARTED
The RC100 range for beginner cyclists
Triban’s main goal is to share our passion for road cycling with as many
people as possible. Whether you’re already active or not, everyone can, and
should, discover the joys and benefits of cycling. As a family or with friends,
the adventure begins as soon as the bike comes out of the garage.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO… HAVE FUN
The RC500 range for experienced cyclists
Triban understands and supports regular cyclists, developing innovative
solutions to help them get the most out of their passion. We take a different
approach to road bikes — not forgetting the importance of speed, but
maximising comfort, enjoyment and safety. One aim: cycling longer and
further to broaden your horizons.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO… EXPLORE
The RC900 range for expert cyclists
These road bikes offer a whole host of possibilities for
anyone who cycles to get away from it all. Heading out
onto the open road and conquering a new set of challenges,
#wearecyclists
personal and collective. You want your wheels to take you
to far-flung places that feel very different to your day-to-day
life. Well, Triban also has something for you !
9
mag#2.indd 9 27/12/2018 08:31:13
#wearecyclists 10 mag#2.indd 10 27/12/2018 08:31:15
COMFORT: A PRIORITY
#wearecyclists
The RC520 project has been guided by one aim, «designing our most comfortable ever
road bike.» After many months of research, laboratory and field testing, it’s here, or
rather they’re here. The RC520 and its baby brother the RC500 are coming to stores
following a successful launch in the UK. We hope you’ll give them a warm welcome.
11
mag#2.indd 11 27/12/2018 08:31:16RIDING INTO YOUR
COMFORT ZONE
The RC520 was created in Lille, but born on the roads. Speed is an essential
part of road cycling, but not the be-all and end-all. We wanted to develop a
bike that would go fast and far, without compromising on comfort.
From the ambitious approach taken by our designers to the technical
o
page to g details provided by our engineers, nothing has been left to chance. Our
SCAN thisesign scenes
th e d
behind new frames have been laboratory tested and approved on the toughest
#wearecyclists
roads across Europe. It’s now time for our RC500 and 520 to take on the
world.
12
mag#2.indd 12 27/12/2018 08:31:21Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro, comfort is an
important factor in road cycling.
The Triban team decided to make comfort a key part of
its project, and that’s where the RC500 and 520 story
begins.
Research and development
The project started three years ago now, in early 2016. In long design projects,
it’s important to have an ultimate goal and ours was clear: developing our
most comfortable ever road bike without losing sight of our sport’s biggest
attributes — speed, efficiency and the joy of cycling.
Unsurprisingly, two areas seemed very important to us. The position on the
bike, of course, and absorbing vibrations during its use.
A new geometry
The new RC520 frame is the product of research carried out with our body
and movement science lab. It gives the cyclist a more raised position, putting
less pressure on exposed areas (back, neck and shoulders) but without
hampering the bike’s responsiveness or rideability.
Limiting vibrations
The frame provides good lateral wheel stiffness but its rear triangle and
sloping absorb vibrations well too.
On the bladed carbon forks, we’ve adjusted how the carbon fibres are
bundled together to maximise the lateral wheel stiffness and minimise front
wheel vibrations.
The accessories have been carefully chosen. Several combinations were
tested to identify the options best meeting our ultimate goal: comfort.
The tubeless-ready wheels use a 28’’ tyre to reduce vibrations on the roads.
The disc brakes offer more flexibility and comfortable braking even in wet
weather. The new Ergofit System saddle is more comfortable to sit on, and
finally the carbon fork has been redesigned for better front shock-absorbing
if there are bumps in the road.
Assembled in Lille
The RC500 and 520 are assembled by our AML teams, the production plant
based in Lille. Their closeness to our design team optimises the assembly
process as well as the reliability of the bikes delivered.
The RC500 and 520 are being launched in store and online in March 2018,
and we’re already looking forward to showing you them.
#wearecyclists
13
mag#2.indd 13 27/12/2018 08:31:39FRAME
TRIBAN EVO 18
TRIBAN ADEPT CARBONE
POSITION ELEMENTS
It offers the same frame/fork partnership as its big brother the RC520, POTENCE TRIBAN 80 / 100 / 110 / 120 (XS, S / M / L / XL)
specially designed to maximise comfort. Its mechanical disc braking
and Shimano Sora R3000 groupset give it serious flexibility. CINTRE ERGO TRIBAN 400 / 420 / 440 (XS, S / M / L / XL)
It features tubeless-ready wheels with a 28’’ tyre section and the Ergofit NOUVELLE SELLE TRIBAN ERGOFIT
System saddle to filter out vibrations.
TIGE DE SELLE TRIBAN ALU (diam 27,2)
TRANSMISSION & BRAKING
SHIFTERS SHIMANO SORA R3000
DERAILLEUR AVANT SHIMANO SORA R3000
DERAILLEUR ARRIERE SORA R3000 9V (à longue chape)
CASSETTE MICROSHIFT CS-H092 9V 11/32
SHIMANO SORA R3000 CAOMPACT 50X34
SHIMANO
FREINS DISQUE PROMAX 300R 160mm
WHEELS
TRIBAN 700 17C TUBELESS READY
TRIBAN
PNEUS TRIBAN RESIST’+
#wearecyclists
14
mag#2.indd 14 27/12/2018 08:31:45TRIBAN EVO 18
TRIBAN ADEPT CARBONE
POTENCE TRIBAN 80 / 100 / 110 / 120 (XS, S / M / L / XL) To bring you uncompromising comfort, the RC520 features a Shimano
105 R7000 drivetrain and RS chainset for unrivalled efficiency and
CINTRE ERGO TRIBAN 400 / 420 / 440 (XS, S / M / L / XL)
simplicity. For comfortable, optimised braking, we’ve chosen TRP
NOUVELLE SELLE TRIBAN ERGOFIT HY/RD semi-hydraulic disc brakes, and a pair of light tubeless-ready
wheels to take you where you want to be.
TIGE DE SELLE TRIBAN ALU (diam 27,2)
SHIFTERS SHIMANO 105 R7000 2X11
DERAILLEUR AVANT SHIMANO 105 R7000
DERAILLEUR ARRIERE 105 R700 GS
CASSETTE MICROSHIFT H1 10
SHIMANO RS510 50X34
SHIMANO
TRP HY/RD 160MM
TRIBAN 700 17C TUBELESS READY
TRIBAN
PNEUS TRIBAN RESIST’+
#wearecyclists
15
mag#2.indd 15 27/12/2018 08:31:55#wearecyclists 16 mag#2.indd 16 27/12/2018 08:32:01
TRUE GRIT...
cette pag
e pour
SCANNEZ ir sur le Gravel.
tout savo
GRAVEL RIDING
Gravel
Gravel riding is about so much more than your tyre section. It’s road We tested various solutions, not least for the tyres, and ultimately opted
cycling, with a bit of mountain biking thrown in? Wrong. Mountain biking for the HUTCHINSON OVERIDE 35 TLR HARSKIN. The cockpit has also
with a drop bar? Wrong again. Gravel riding has been around for a while been redesigned with X-LARGE (16’’ Flare) Triban Ale grips, and features
now but we’re thrilled that it’s finally come out of the shadows. Instead of Guidoline gel to help riders cope with the vibrations on uneven surfaces.
busting a gut trying to find out where it comes from, or giving it an exact
definition, we suggest that you stop wasting time and give it a go ASAP.
Tested, retested and retested again
We really put our new design through its paces. The bike as it will be sold
Who hasn’t dreamt of turning down a small country lane during a road
has been tested on dazzling but demanding trials, such as the Malte-
ride, nipping through undergrowth or taking a quick shortcut through
ni Route (190 km) overseen by its designer Alex, and the Tour of Flan-
gravel without running the risk of regretting it?
ders Gravel (80 km) with its cobbled streets and dirt roads. The team
of testers also took the bikes to the GravelXinoise, in the countryside
The sport is growing and starting to be talked about. Social media groups
surrounding Paris, and finally to the ROC Gravel Origins 83, two beauti-
are being formed, routes shared and events springing up. Formal or in-
ful days between Saint-Raphaël and the Verdon Gorge. The bike didn’t
formal, against the clock or not, there are more important things to think
go unnoticed and the first comments have prompted us to confirm that
about. The bikes are similar, but at Triban we feel that riders still haven’t
the RC520 GRAVEL will land exclusively on decathlon.fr (to start with) in
found what they’re looking for, so we decided it was time to develop our
March. We’re looking forward to introducing you to the latest addition
own gravel bike. It’s coming in March but has already got people talking.
to the family.
The TRIBAN RC520 GRAVEL BIKE
Demand has been growing for a few months. Enthusiasts are asking us
questions and want to know if we’re going to stock a gravel bike too.
Here’s your answer!
For our first foray into gravel riding, we decided to build on the founda-
tion of our RC520 (presented earlier) and work on the accessories to
develop an assembly that’s right for the tough conditions demanded by
gravel riding.
#wearecyclists
17
mag#2.indd 17 27/12/2018 08:32:05EFFICIENT WHEN YOU’RE RIDING
COMFORTABLE WHEN YOU’RE NOT
SPD
#wearecyclists
18
mag#2.indd 18 27/12/2018 08:32:10THE NEW BIKE TOURING
SHOE
Why? Who for? Two models available
We didn’t decide to create a new product. We decided to address a SPD pedals aren’t a revolutionary choice — lots of you on the road have
need by asking the right questions and trying not to stick to what’s opted for that solution. We picked them to make walking easier, with
already out there. the toeclip being better incorporated into the sole than a Look-type
toeclip.
A good road cycling shoe should be light with a stiff sole to transfer
the cyclist’s power. It should also have an easy and reliable fastening Meanwhile the lace fastening keeps the shoe in place. It’s a big change
system to keep the cyclist safe. to what we were doing before but totally fit for the specific purpose.
We could stop there, given that in theory cycling shoes are only made On the RC500 model, a strap secures the laces. On the 520, an Atop
for pedalling. But as you cyclists know only too well, in reality, we also fastening tab covers the laces and can be used to adjust the tightness
have to be able to walk in them, over different distances depending on to suit.
what we do, and that’s where the story of our new bike touring shoe
begins. The shoe’s ventilation has also been designed to allow the foot to
breathe and evaporate moisture. We’ve included mesh sections on the
We all take rests, stop to soak up the scenery, have a quick drink with 500 model and opted for real leather on the 520 model, which contrary
friends, break for lunch or just have times before and after our rides, to popular belief is a very breathable material.
and we decided to reflect that in the design of our new footwear.
The aim was clear: creating a shoe that’s efficient when you’re riding For the finish, finally, reflective sections provide visibility, and every
and comfortable when you’re not. model is available in four colours.
Due to launch in store in March 2019
CUIR VERITABLE
CONFORT D’ACCUEIL
CONFORT D’ACCUEIL
#wearecyclists
RESPIRABILITE
RESPIRABILITE
SERRAGE LACETS
SERRAGE BOUCLE
50€ 75€
ET LACETS
19
mag#2.indd 19 27/12/2018 08:32:26#wearecyclists 20 mag#2.indd 20 27/12/2018 08:32:28
EMBRACING THE CLICHES
#wearecyclists
Clichés... We all want to avoid them like the plague but sometimes clichés are clichés because they’re
true. We’d had Tuscany in mind for a while for our spring-summer photoshoot but never did anything
about it. At last we’ve put that right and don’t regret it. Find out more about our ambassadors’
adventure through the hilltop vineyards and villages in a legendary bike touring region.
21
mag#2.indd 21 27/12/2018 08:32:30«WE WERE BOWLED OVER
Monte Sante
Arbia
Marie
FROM DAY ONE. IT WAS
PICTURE-POSTCARD Asciano
TUSCANY!»
The right team
With Pascal, the photographer, we’d been prepping the shoot in Tuscany
for six months, and to be perfectly honest we’d been thinking about it for Chiusure
much longer. For cyclists who look up when they ride, the Sienna region
has to be ticked off at least once. We scouted the locations, finetuned
the itineraries and rejected some spectacular locations due to time
constraints, which just shows you how incredible some of the places we
went through were.
We’ve approached the photoshoots as proper bike tours for a while now
as in many areas, beauty lies in the authenticity of the experience. Like in
Scotland during our winter shoot (see WAC 1), we weren’t disappointed!
Not by the locations, the conditions or more importantly by the generosity
of the team we took to Italy.
The cyclists who went on the two-day trip are all Decathlon ambassador
staff. It’s not always easy to bring together six people from different
backgrounds. But we gelled very quickly, the first belly laughs drowned
out the noise of the derailleurs and the colourful language on the first
climbs. We spoke in French, laughed in Romanian and joked with a strong
Belgian accent. That’s just what Triban likes to hear. Pure joy! Add to that
a seasoned production team (two photographers, two cameramen and
a director) following the gruppetto at 25 km/h on average, and you can
picture our convoy.
Picture-postcard Tuscany
The first day was much more than just an icebreaker. We took the gang to
the Crete Senesi region, literally meaning ‘Sienese Clays’. Picture rolling
clay hills as far as the eye can see, with the landscape changing as the
sun rises or sets. All crossed by a stunning road lined with cypress trees
and leading to stone houses that overlook the hills. There we had it: the
postcard we came looking for was right in front of us.
Despite the date (late September), we set off early in the morning to make
sure that the 30°C forecast for lunchtime didn’t spoil the party. At the
same time, we were treated to a spectacular sunrise on leaving Arbia, our
starting point. Following a loop that took us more to the south along the
heights of Chiusure, we headed north towards Asciano, motivated by what
was waiting for us... lunchtime. We won’t go on about it, but let’s be honest,
you can eat well in Tuscany. 45 km on day one, an incredible introduction
ending with a breathtaking sunset. On tonight’s menu, pool, vino rosso and
an early night, given the long day ahead of us tomorrow.
#wearecyclists
ea
page to se
SCAN thisrt on Tuscany.
22 video repo
mag#2.indd 22 27/12/2018 08:32:38GIORNO 1
Crete Senesi #wearecyclists
23
mag#2.indd 23 27/12/2018 08:32:56Montalcino
Dell
GIORNO 2
Val d’Orcia
#wearecyclists
24
mag#2.indd 24 27/12/2018 08:33:11Montepulciano
Cappella
Madona
Pienza
Bivio di
San Biagio Between the vineyards and olive groves!
No time to lose this morning, it was going to be a long day with lots of things
San Quirico
Monticchiello
to see and quite a few kilometres ahead of us (91 km to be precise). The Val
d’Orca
d’Orcia region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and we definitely wanted to
Delle Fornaci check if it could join our very unofficial list of places for any self-respecting
cycling tourist to visit.
Bagno
Vignoni
La Foce Before setting off, we got ourselves ready. Luca tried the new cycling shorts
with leg pocket, which is handy. Camelia was thrilled about having to wear
Gallina
the tank top for the shoot given how hot it was yesterday. Meanwhile Gilles,
head of the design studio at the B’twin village, was nominated for a quick
Contignano
inspection of the RC500 and 520. Green light, we could go.
Revisiting the Renaissance
We left Montalcino in the early morning. Heads were down but it was the
legs that mattered most to get the day started. The group adapted and
stuck together, no question of splitting up. Quite quickly we reached a small
village, San Quirico d’Orcia. It was only 8.30 am but already time to take off
the long-sleeve jersey, which had been very useful before the sun came out.
We got back on the road to head to our most southerly point of the day,
Contignano. As often in Tuscany, you can see the church in the distance,
perched on top of a clay hill, but we still had to wind our way along a
deserted road for several kilometres before we could finally lean the bike
against a typical stonewall.
The next stop, as we knew, was the high point of our adventure, the town
of Montepulciano, a Renaissance wonder that’s a fantastic reward after a
day’s cycling.
Adossée à la colline, on y vient a pied...
High on the hill, we continued on foot...
You have to know when to put your foot down sometimes, and certain
villages in Tuscany don’t give you the choice anyway as the streets are so
steep. Montepulciano, a real architectural and gastronomic treasure, left
us even more convinced that Tuscany is a region blessed by the gods. The
gods of architecture and fine wine but also cycling, no doubt about it.
We left that incredible place to complete the circle and head home, our
heads buzzing with memories and definite plans to come back as a family or
with friends, but definitely on a bike as the region couldn’t be better suited.
It’s a wrap!
That’s it, the images are in the can, now over to us to describe the adventures
as best we can and share you with them. Highlighting our products and
making people want to try our fantastic sport and everything connected
to it.
On a film set, once the last scene is complete, the director usually says: «it’s
a wrap!» Most people are happy to finish a job but for us, yes we were happy,
but we also knew the adventure was over, so let me thank our ambassadors
Molly, Aurélie, Camelia, Gilles, Luca and Seb, for their generosity, infectious
enthusiasm for cycling and hard work in getting the two days done.
Finally, if you, a member of the Decathlon team with a passion for bike
touring, are tempted by our adventure, you can apply for the next trip
scheduled for late March 2019, a bit more northerly this time, but with the
same down-to-earth atmosphere!
#wearecyclists
Contact: quentin.leclaire@btwin.com
Image Leader TRIBAN
25
mag#2.indd 25 27/12/2018 08:33:21LES INDISPENSABLES TRIBAN POUR PE19
THE BEST EQUIPMENT
FOR BIKE TOURING
20€ 20€
RoadC100 short-sleeved jersey RC100 men’s bib tights
This jersey has everything that a These men’s bib tights are very
beginner could ask for: a breathable comfortable with their flat seams.
fabric, large zip and three big pockets in The foam material absorbs vibrations
the back to carry everything you need. and straps maintain its shape for regular
Two secure pockets make sure that you use.
won’t lose anything ever again! S to XXL
S to XXL Réf. : 8402928, 8522536
Ref: 8515410, 8515414, 8524458, 8515411,
8524456, 8524452, 8515413, 8524453
35€
RoadC500 bib tights
Our enthusiastic road cycling team has
tirelessly developed, trialled and tested
these bib tights to bring you the most
#wearecyclists
comfortable item in our range.
You’ll forget that you’re wearing these
new RC500 bib tights thanks to their mesh
straps and ergonomic material with gel
inserts.
There’s a handy pocket on the outer leg,
which is easy to access whilst you ride. S
to XXL
Réf. :8515410, 8515414, 8524458, 8515411, 8524456,
26 8524452, 8515413, 8524453
mag#2.indd 26 27/12/2018 08:33:3550€
RoadC500 bib tights
Our enthusiastic road cycling team has
tirelessly developed, trialled and tested these
bib tights to bring you the most comfortable
#wearecyclists
item in our range.
You’ll forget that you’re wearing these new
RC500 bib tights thanks to their mesh straps
and ergonomic material with gel inserts.
There’s a handy pocket on the outer leg,
which is easy to access whilst you ride. S
to XXL
Réf. :8515410, 8515414, 8524458, 8515411, 8524456,
8524452, 8515413, 8524453
27
mag#2.indd 27 27/12/2018 08:33:41FEMALE
FORWARD
bikes for women,
designed by women
Over the year, a team specialising in designing bikes and equipment
for women has taken its place within the road cycling team.
Text Quentin Barreau - Photo Damien Lecarpentier
#wearecyclists
28
mag#2.indd 28 27/12/2018 08:33:41#wearecyclists
29
mag#2.indd 29 27/12/2018 08:33:43Nathalie with Gilles
Beaumont in the BTWIN In the last year, a team specialising in
Village’s prototype
manufacturing workshops women’s road cycling has been added to the
in Lille, during a design DECATHLON cycle teams.
session.
Its aim: to design and develop bikes, fabrics
and equipment specifically for female use.
Cycling engineer Nathalie Lorenzi is part of
this innovative team.
It has its offices amidst the road cycling
teams, with brightly coloured bikes taking
pride of place above the cabinets.
In front of her computer screen, Nathalie
explains how the women’s team designs
new road bikes for women:
«Creating a woman’s road bike starts with
understanding and identifying our cyclists’
needs.
When the project was launched, an in-house
study was carried out with Sports Lab* to
study the characteristics of women’s cycling.
#wearecyclists
The study also aimed to find out whether
specific developments or adaptations to
the bike’s components were needed for the
women’s models.
*DECATHLON Research and Development Laboratory
30 specialising in studying the human body during sporting
activity.
mag#2.indd 30 27/12/2018 08:33:47NATHALIE,
CYCLING ENGINEER
A trained physiochemical engineer, Nathalie joined Decathlon 23
years ago as a young graduate to manage the processes involved in
painting and decorating Decathlon bike frames.
After spending sixteen years on bike finishes, including a four-
year spell at Look Cycle in Tunisia, followed by six years within the
The road bike market is still very male-dominated. The bikes Decathlon optics teams, Nathalie has been the Product Engineer for
are usually designed for men. It’s still too common for women women’s road cycling for over a year.
to have to pay to swap the saddle on the bike for a women’s
saddle. A career largely devoted to cycling.
Can you imagine how a man would react if he went into a bike «When I joined Decathlon, I didn’t know anything about road cycling.
store only selling bikes with women’s saddles? It’s a situation It’s my husband (Andrew, you can find his profile on page 44), a diehard
that we women have always put up with. How can that be road cyclist, who gave me the bug. I really wanted to go back to Btwin
right?» and was determined to be part of the women’s road cycling venture. I’m
petite (1.50 m) and have always struggled to find a bike for my height.
A regular cyclist for over twenty years, Nathalie knows what For a long time, I rode on bikes that were too big for me. I often had back
she’s talking about: «Just changing a bike’s saddle doesn’t ache and a sore bum, as well as problems braking because I couldn’t
make it a women’s bike. It’s more complicated than that. We’ve reach the brake levers with my hands. I wasn’t very comfortable.»
decided not to develop a frame specifically for women.»
«I’m really pleased to be part of the project and team.»
The results of our study show that in technical and Nathalie is a huge fan of Paris–Roubaix. It’s an opportunity to see her
morphological terms, it’s not necessary to develop specific friends at home, after a 60-km bike ride on the cobbled streets for the
frames with geometries for women. The frames currently bravest, eat in front of the TV to watch the race, and cheer on the pro
sold by B’TWIN, including the Triban and ultra AF frame, racers at the Carrefour de l’Arbre, 2 km from where she lives, when
combined with component sizes tailored to women’s body they cross the legendary cobblestone section.
shape provide optimal comfort for female cyclists. «I love to share my passion and it’s a personal victory for me when a
#wearecyclists
woman adopts the road bike after trying our products.»
...next page 32 31
mag#2.indd 31 27/12/2018 08:33:51...
«So, at B’TWIN, in road cycling, there isn’t one frame for men and
another for women. It’s the same frame.»
Tailored components combined with a unisex frame will reflect the
different physical proportions of men and woman.
«For the same height, women have a longer groin, shorter torso and
narrower shoulders than men. So on all our women’s models, we’re
going to combine a different range of frame sizes to men (from XXS
to M for heights from 1.50 m to 1.76 m), a shorter stem and narrower
handlebars.
The position of the levers will be tailored to women’s smaller hand size.
Elise Delzenne
And obviously a women’s saddle.» Ingénieur Textile VAN | RYSEL
The Triban Easy is designed for women who want to start road shoot photos dans les Flandres
cycling but are often uncomfortable in a lower position, with braking
at the top of the lever hoods, and with the thinness of the tyres, and
prefer to cycle in an upright position for more comfort. The bike follows the same design rules for its premium-range
The Triban Easy obviously presents all the aforementioned design components. It will use the new Shimano 105 11-speed groupset
options to better reflect women’s body shape. «However, it’s unique and B’TWIN AERO 20/24 wheels.
in having a dual braking system, standard levers as well as two other
cyclocross brake levers placed at the top of the handlebars. The dual The wheels may be a controversial decision. «My job is also to make
braking system will mean that women can brake no matter what their choices and fight prejudice. I’ve chosen to give the ULTRA CF B’TWIN
position, hands at the top of the handlebars or at the top of the lever wheels that our tests have shown to be high quality, comparable to
hoods, and so feel more secure.» Nathalie explains. other equivalent range brands. I also wanted to highlight the result of
the B’TWIN design teams’ development work. I’m keen to bring our
Another point to note on this bike: the single chainring will enable users the best value for money.»
women to concentrate solely on rear gear shifts, and so change gear
#wearecyclists
more easily.
As for the Ultra CF, the women’s team wants to develop a bike with
an all-carbon frame and fork to meet the needs of performance
seekers.
32
mag#2.indd 32 27/12/2018 08:33:56BIKES DESIGNED BY WOMEN FOR WOMEN
CLOSER BRAKE ERGONOMIC
LEVERS WOMEN’S
SADDLE
TAILORED
NARROWER DRIVETRAIN
GRIPS
#wearecyclists
33
mag#2.indd 33 27/12/2018 08:34:00EMILIE TAUPE,
CYCLING,
A TEAM SPORT
ABOVE ALL
With her energy and enthusiasm, Emilie Taupe is being outside, getting out of breath. But most
at home in the offices of the women’s road cycling important is the idea of enjoying something
team. After studying design and spending a few together. Solo cycling isn’t really my cup of tea, it’s
years in fashion, Emilie joined the DECATHLON the interactive aspect that motivates me when I go
«Solo cycling isn’t really my cup of tea, it’s
the interactive aspect that motivates me
when I go out.»
adventure six years ago. After first working in bike out. I sometimes go riding with girls from the team,
accessories design for nearly two years alongside but for me, I would say that before and after are
Eric Bastin (the B’TWIN road team’s footwear almost as important as the race itself.
engineer), she joined the B’TWIN city team for two
years, followed by the B’TWIN women’s project as a «We chat, we eat together, we really have a good
textile designer. time.»
«The segmentation is a real blessing for all our For professional reasons, Emilie is eager to try road
business lines, it enables us to go further in our cycling. Moving from the theory to practice, she
projects, stay true to what we believe in, really wants to understand: understand all the difficulties
express ourselves but also to trust each other! The that road cyclists experience, understand the
project has a bright future and I’m proud to be part road cycling world, and «understand what I’m
of it.» working on.» Her love of cycling can be seen in
Emilie’s designs, with bright colours reflecting her
Emilie quietly explains that the clothes she designs personality plus the added detail that everyone in
are a bit like her ‘babies’ as she starts from a blank the women’s road cycling team will love.
page, watches the project become concrete, then
oversees its development up to its marketing. It’s
the result of all the team’s hard work and Emilie is
looking forward to having feedback from women
#wearecyclists
cyclists.
However, nothing predestined Emilie for a job in
road cycling. A keen runner, she tried road cycling
when she joined B’TWIN and fell in love. «I found
everything that I loved in running, pushing yourself,
34
mag#2.indd 34 27/12/2018 08:34:01#wearecyclists
35
mag#2.indd 35 27/12/2018 08:34:06SUMMER ESSENTIALS
1400€ NOUVEAUTÉ
Ultra CF women’s bike
Frame: Carbon Ultra CF
Groupset: Shimano 105 2019
Wheels: BTWIN 20/24
XXS to M
Réf. : 8524644
20€ 20€
#wearecyclists
NOUVEAUTÉ NOUVEAUTÉ
500 women’s road cycling jersey 500 women’s road cycling shorts
This light and comfortable women’s cycling jersey Flat seams make these women’s cycling shorts very
is fast drying with its loose-woven underarm mesh. comfortable.
Half-zip front for better ventilation. Practical with The foam material absorbs vibrations and reduces
three back pockets. chaffing, even with regular use.
22% – Elastane, 78% – Polyester 80% – Polyamide, 20% – Elastane
36 XXS to XXL XXS to XXL
Réf. : 8522669, 8522671 Réf. : 8380689, 8522678
mag#2.indd 36 27/12/2018 08:34:20CycloSport | en shoot
40€ 40€
#wearecyclists
NOUVEAUTÉ NOUVEAUTÉ
900 women’s road cycling shorts 900 women’s road cycling jersey
A waistband makes sure that these women’s cycling This short-sleeve cycling jersey provides good
shorts stay comfortably in place. ventilation with its mesh fabric on the back and
Its ergonomic material with three thicknesses and gel full-length. Practical too with its four back pockets,
inserts provides excellent comfort. one of which is zipped and waterproof
80% – Polyamide, 20% – Elastane 90% – Polyester, 10% – Elastane
XXS to XXL XXS to XXL 37
Réf. : 8523239, 8523237 Réf. : 8522689, 8522687
mag#2.indd 37 27/12/2018 08:34:29WHAT’S
IN A NAME
#wearecyclists
38
mag#2.indd 38 27/12/2018 08:34:32#wearecyclists
39
mag#2.indd 39 27/12/2018 08:34:34Clément Bodin
VAN | RYSEL Textile Engineer
photoshoot in Flanders
atch
SCAN to won video
p re s e n ta ti
the EL
VAN | RYS
THE DRIVING
AMBITION TO
MAKE A NAME
FOR ITSELF
Text Yann Carré - Photo Damien Lecarpentier
For two years, DECATHLON has been radically transforming its part of one in 2011 with my colleagues at that time, Olivier Robinet,
organisation and management with smaller, more local teams the head of the brand, and Emmanuel Rodriguez, the head of design.
focusing more on staff, user and customer satisfaction. Following They carried out a collaborative review that led to B’TWIN being
the passion brands come the signature sports. For cycling, the confirmed as the overall brand cycle at DECATHLON. That was the
effect can already be seen with the (re)launch of range names such time of the passion brands and Oxylane...
as ROCKRIDER for mountain biking. Road cycling had to join the
transformation and choose a meaningful and inclusive name. Road Why a signature brand?
cycling is a sport. At Decathlon it’s divided into two ranges identifying
two complementary areas, recreational cycling with TRIBAN and Athletes share common values but they also like to emphasise
competitive cycling with the renamed VAN | RYSEL. their differences and identity. A signature brand reflects a joint
commitment to providing the right selection of products for the sport,
#wearecyclists
What a funny name, did you say? Let me tell you more about it… always with unbeatable value for money. The signature brand is the
For those who regularly cycle on the road, no doubt that you’ve had name of a group belonging to the same DECATHLON family. Like any
this discussion with other cyclists: why are your sports bikes called family (which works hard to stick together), the brothers and sisters
B’TWIN? B’TWIN is for leisure bikes, family bikes, not race bikes! are unique, they have their own personalities and take different paths,
sometimes they even argue and fall out, but they always end up
Those debates have been raging for a (very) long time and I was even coming back together, contributing to a history and its strength, unity
40
mag#2.indd 40 27/12/2018 08:34:37«WE WANTED OUR NAME TO MEAN SOMETHING FOR US OF
COURSE, BUT ALSO AROUND THE WORLD»
and future. competition.
As well as our values, our signature brand represents us, it says who
TRIBAN was obvious, including in the meaning that it conveys. For are, it commits us as much as it shapes us, it’s a marker, a point of
the competitive cycling segment, we wanted to find a name that we reference, a name for our history.
liked, is meaningful and illustrates our project with its characteristic
relevance and authenticity. And our history is designing, assembling and testing here in the heart
of the Flanders for riding in this cycling heartland and around the
Act 1: the search world.
Any couple who has chosen a name for their baby knows that it can We wanted our name to mean something for us of course but also
be a long and sometimes difficult process. Imagine doing it with a around the world, so that it could easily be pronounced by a Spaniard,
#wearecyclists
group of competitors, who are used to bragging about the size of a Chinese, a Ghanaian or a Chilean.
their... climbs (hey! what did you expect?!). Oh, I forgot, the name also had to be unique (for legal reasons) and
not contradict the values of DECATHLON and its products…
The first stage involved determining specifications that reflected our Not too long (difficult to show on the product) but not too short
project’s values: road bike performance, racing, speed, dedication, (visibility)
resistance, resilience, endurance, performance and the spirit of So, not easy ;)
41
mag#2.indd 41 27/12/2018 08:34:40Act 2: the obvious answer 150 proposals. All the names were reviewed and compared to existing
Following an initial meeting of an executive committee (8) comprising bike brands (we counted 336) or similar registered trademarks that
product managers, designers and marketers, it became obvious that could cause problems.
the name should express Flanders. In a second series of collective meetings, we refined our choices to
Flanders, the original home of major one-day classics known around define a shortlist.
the world, including two of the five pillars of road cycling that are the The selection underwent a more in-depth legal review before again
Tour of Flanders and Paris–Roubaix. being debated by the executive committee.
Flanders, both Belgian and French, having Lille as its capital and the Acte 4: la validation
headquarters of DECATHLON, Lille where the 180,000-sq. m B’TWIN Once the target name was chosen, we had to work with our legal
Village is located and all VAN RYSEL bikes are assembled. teams to ensure that we could use it as intended around the world.
Flanders, a beautiful and historic backdrop for cycling, yes the Finally, with that stage complete, we tested how the name was
altitudes stop at 150 m but there’s no shortage of 20%+ climbs, and perceived by various profiles in France and internationally before
the wind, rain and cold demand the best of your body and equipment, putting it on our bikes, helmets, clothing and footwear.
the narrow sometimes slippery roads, the stuff of dreams or
#wearecyclists
nightmares, improve your cobblestone cycling and after
Act 3: the selection
We commissioned a specialist agency that guided us for over six
months. Its role was to help us express and formalise the ideas
behind the name in order to define a provisional creative list of around
42
mag#2.indd 42 27/12/2018 08:34:42Birth certificate : VAN RYSEL
Van (de, of, from)
Rysel, Ryssel, Rijsel FL (Lille)
Officially launched at the Vélofollies tradeshow in Courtrai (40 km
from Lille in Flanders, a short ride from the Tour of Flanders route) on
18 January 2019, VAN RYSEL is now our name, it expresses who we
are and what we do. You might bump into us, we cycle regularly, every
week, all year around and if you want, you could come and join us for
a few km but be warned…. you might love it.
#wearecyclists
43
mag#2.indd 43 27/12/2018 08:34:44TWENTY YEARS OF DESIGNING
PERFORMANCE ROAD BIKES AT DECATHLON:
FROM ONE ANDREW TO ANOTHER
#wearecyclists
44
mag#2.indd 44 27/12/2018 08:34:48PERFORMANCE ROAD
BIKES AT DECATHLON:
WHAT A STORY*
Entretien réalisé par Yann Carré
The cycling adventure at Decathlon dates back to the Dominique came to see me together and told me, as if it
last millennium. In the 1980s, Michel Leclercq and was nothing, that we’d formed a technical partnership with
his teams were left in the lurch by their bike supplier the AG2R team led by Vincent Lavenu (who’s still the team
Peugeot, which refused to continue delivering them manager) and that in two and a half months we needed to
for fear of antagonizing its distribution network. Faced supply around twenty race bikes for his racers... can you
with that problem, they found a solution with the help imagine the pressure?
of a local manufacturer (Cycles Bertin) and launched
the incredible adventure of Decathlon passion brands. YC: Two and a half months, starting from... a blank page?
In 1986, the first DECATHLON bike was developed, AL:That’s right (it was graph paper but it was blank), 25 bikes
which marked the start of a story making DECATHLON for the late November stage in Villeneuve-sur-Lot! At that
and its sports bikes the world’s third biggest brand in time, I was a frame engineer (ICT) working with Stéphane
quantities. Dassonville (ICT frame), Alex Voisine (mountain bike
designer), Dom Broutin (product manager), William Lanigan
In 1999, an important milestone was reached with (ICT wheels) and Damien Félix (IP)*
the technical partnership formed with AG2R, joined *apart from Damien, all are still in the company and some
by COFIDIS from 2004–2007. Those eight years in cycling.
boosted DECATHLON in design and reputation terms We’d just had the rug pulled out from under our feet. Never
and translated into stunning victories in the era’s has the meaning of the Mark Twain quote «They didn’t know
biggest races. We’ve interviewed one of the pioneers it was impossible, so they did it» been so clear to me (he’s
from that time. Now head of frame design within the still smiling about it)
DECATHLON BIKES** unit, Andrew Lorenzi was then
a young engineer responsible for developing road and YC: And?
mountain bike frames. AL: And we dashed over to Dedacciai (Italian bike tube
manufacturer founded in 1992) and our other partner at that
Andrew is an engineer it’s true, but also a sports time Carlesso, a frame manufacturer. Being able to speak
enthusiast. A top triathlete (not everyone has qualified Italian helped me a lot. After three days in the war room, we
for Hawaii), the lanky Italian remembers September agreed on the target bike. At that time, most of the peloton’s
LON:
1999 with Jean Charles Monot (head of Decathlon frames were still in aluminium.
Cycle) and Dominique Broutin (product manager). A few brands such as TREK (and a certain Armstrong) were
«Luckily for me, I’d had a good holiday...» starting to line up carbon frames. To cut a long story short,
#wearecyclists
we worked like crazy for that one stage. We wouldn’t be able
YC: Andrew, what happened back in September to move as fast today (too many restrictions, processes,
1999? etc.). The hardest thing was getting our hands each racer’s
AL: It was a massive shock. Jean Charles and statistics, which were jotted down on index cards and not
* en France la majorité civile est fixée à 18 ans depuis le 5 juillet 1974
** Direction Technique Vélo 45
mag#2.indd 45 27/12/2018 08:34:49always put in the right place… it was quite casual in fact. gîte that we were using as a base camp and went out for a ride on
the cobbles, it was dark, we saw him come back fifteen minutes later
YC: Why that year? (we were holding our breath): deathly silence… and then he muttered
AL: Ask them! (laughs), no seriously they were having quite a few «good bike», it was good, we’d done it. Then we started to win people
problems with their aluminium frames (Kirsipuu had broken nine over, the mechanics first then the racers by going out with them.
during the 1999 Tour) at that time: we stepped into the breach. Unforgettable. We went from the brand manufacturing supermarket
bikes to a leading technical partner... in under three months. We even
YC: bon Ok vous vous démenez comme de beaux diables et vous managed to reposition the racers with an extra 20 mm in saddle
avez réussi à les livrer les vélos ? height, at that level, can you imagine?
AL: Yes!!!! Only just but yes, we went to the stage. I went with Gilles
Beaumont to oversee the frames’ assembly and Nicolas Belluye (now YC: Did you design the DES for that?
a management controller at DECATHLON), who helped us design No, we were incredibly lucky, we’d finalised it six months earlier so
the DES (Decathlon Ergonomics System) as part of his thesis at the we could measure the guys, they were really surprised, it was the
#wearecyclists
University of Bordeaux. We took our computers for the CAD and DES first time that a team had turned up with engineers, CAD, software….
as well as our frames and adjusted the twenty bikes at the start of Gilles talked to them about tightening torque, Nico posture and power,
the stage. we explained our technical choices and our engineering, and most
There we saw the leader at that time, Jaan Kirsipuu (the only Estonian importantly we listened to them.
to date to win a Tour stage) take his bike without saying a word, he
got on, opened the door and went down the seventeen steps of the
46
mag#2.indd 46 27/12/2018 08:34:58YC: And the results?
AL: They came thick and fast, first race win: Gilles Maignan dominated
the Tour of Australia in January, Jaan several stages of the Etoile de
«WE SAW HIM COME
Bessèges, at Paris–Nice too, the Tour de Pologne and Christophe
Agnoluto’s amazing breakaway (128 km alone) in the seventh stage
BACK FIFTEEN MINUTES
of the Tour de France. A crazy four hours of footage on a DECATHLON
bike.
LATER: DEATHLY
Between 2000 and 2007, the AG2R and COFIDIS teams clocked up
nearly 200 wins at major races using DECATHLON bikes.
YC: When did you move to carbon? SILENCE… AND THEN
JAAN KIRSIPUU
AL: Between 2004 and 2005, we released our first carbon bikes, the
FC. From the blank page to delivering the product to the teams with
MUTTERED ‘GOOD
all the resistance tests passed, we took six months!
(today it takes two years on average to design a bike), the bike was
BIKE’..»
ready for November 2004 and we sold the first one in the network in
spring 2005. In fact, at that time the demand within the network and
the technical credibility coming from the partnership really boosted
sales. In fact, we didn’t need to sell it... it sold itself.
#wearecyclists
YC: You mean that the network was totally behind you?
AL: The partnership was an ultra-powerful management tool for the
teams in the brand, in the technical division, in logistics and in stores.
I’ll never forget how I felt at the midpoint of the year in Wasquehal,
when Jean Patrick Nazon won the third stage of the Tour de France
by 210 km ahead of Erik Zabel in 2011 (his face in bits)! Incredibly
47
mag#2.indd 47 27/12/2018 08:34:58#wearecyclists 48 mag#2.indd 48 27/12/2018 08:35:04
proud, I had goose bumps, we were late to bed that night.
I also remember the launch in Campus with 3,000 people, the bike
coming down from the roof, the racers stepping onto the podium
one by one and being applauded by the staff with Daniel Mangeas
commentating…. A crazy time!
YC: What do you take away from that?
AL: Memories of extraordinary times, people, stages, working with the
racers, mechanics and staff. I was very lucky to experience all that.
During the stages, mainly thanks to Gilles, we had constant feedback,
we saw very quickly what wasn’t working and how to move forward.
It’s really tough for the bikes: they get pressure washed every day,
they travel at 140 (km/h) on roof racks, they get thrown around on
planes, etc.
From a professional point of view, what you have to remember is the
teamwork and trust that we had in each other, the pressure that we
had to cope with: people were relying on us and disappointing them
wasn’t an option.
Today I still have high standards because of that, listening and
teamwork, a network, contacts and credibility in what I do.
Twenty years later I’m still as passionate about the products and who
knows if we won’t be part of a pro team again one day?
#wearecyclists
49
mag#2.indd 49 27/12/2018 08:35:10#wearecyclists 50 mag#2.indd 50 27/12/2018 08:35:13
#wearecyclists
51
mag#2.indd 51 27/12/2018 08:35:14BEHIND
THE SCENES
OF THE
Marc Antoine AUBERT is one of the road cycling
team’s designers. The PNPL 2.0 project is one of his
babies. He shares his passion with us.
«What’s PNPL 2.0? First, it’s the name that we’ve given
to the advanced design vision project, ‘PNPL 2.0’. It’s
an exercise we do every five years in a specific area.
Here, we work on our vision from a user’s point of view
and not based on a product. Take the competitive
cycling project. It doesn’t just revolve around the bike,
but the bike, helmet, footwear, clothing, speedometer,
etc.»
The comprehensive review and forecasting are very
interesting exercises, shaping the design of future
products.
«We’re one of the few brands in the world to handle the
entire product range expertly, from A to Z. There are
iconic brands known for their wheels or bikes, but they
aren’t experts in all areas like us, for example we also
sell bikes, footwear, helmets, clothing, accessories...
in design terms, the benefit of working in integrated
mode is finding synergies between the products.»
In terms of the approach to PNPL 2.0, «we start by
analysing a user (the market, trends, competition,
etc.). Here it’s the aerodynamic, hyperconnected,
modern, high-tech aspect that emerged from the
#wearecyclists
user’s needs.»
Several stages are needed:
«We brainstorm ideas by area with the entire team
(engineers, product managers, designers, etc.). We
start from a need and not a product.
For example, we talk about hydration and not a water
52
mag#2.indd 52 27/12/2018 08:35:20bottle. And so we cover all the areas around hydration, need, usage, Before then, other exercises will focus on other users.
expectations...
Then, with the product manager, we keep realistic ideas for products When the PNPL 2.0 project was presented at L’Etape du Tour, it
that will be feasible in four or five years. We put futuristic ideas to one was a big hit with the public and created a buzz on social media
side. It’s too early. We’ll go back to them in a little while to see if they’re (300,000 people responded, one of the biggest social media
workable then. reactions in under three hours).
That forces us to set priorities, to determine guidelines. «We wanted to release it in the future. It was a dream. But given
Then with the design team, we bring the ideas to life with 3D rendering. the enthusiastic response at L’Etape du Tour, we’re going to have to
We start to see things take shape. release it faster than planned.»
Then for six months, we hone the ideas, the rendering. We work with The technical teams are already working on the scenarios and
the technical teams to create a full-scale working prototype, meaning a standardisation. «It already looks 80% like what it will be at the end
life-sized physical model. of December 2020. We’re now going to have to bring it up to UCI
Here for the clothing, we worked with our manufacturing partner to standards, make the right choices for the cockpit, for the braking
develop this all-in-one outfit with a water pouch, sensors in the material system...»
to send data to the screen...
For the bike, this time we worked with a Nord-based company
specialising in developing carbon prototypes. They work to make
prototypes for aviation, motoring. They have real expertise in the area.
For the helmet and shoes, these are developed with an in-house R&D
team at Decathlon.»
How will this visionary work be reflected in products for future
seasons?
«The project will be used as the basis for developing future directions in
terms of concept and style.
#wearecyclists
On the bike, for example, the main lines of the PNPL 2.0 bike have been
used for the future bike that will come out in 2020. You can see the
resemblance in the back stays, for example.»
The design teams have just done similar work on vision and concept
for competitive cycling. «We’ll repeat the exercise in around five years.»
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