Pro bike: Joaquim Rodríguez’s Canyon Aeroad CF

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=320%2C416 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=480%2C624 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=640%2C832 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=90&resize=190%2C247, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=380%2C494 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=570%2C741 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=692%2C900 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 425px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=90&resize=215%2C279, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=430%2C559 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=645%2C838 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=692%2C900 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 768px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C383, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=590%2C767 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=693%2C900 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 992px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=90&resize=136%2C176, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=272%2C353 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=408%2C530 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=544%2C707 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 993px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=90&resize=155%2C201, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=310%2C403 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=465%2C604 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=45&resize=620%2C806 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <img class="wp-image-331722 size-portrait_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-gallery-grid-src-image" src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723" width="556" height="723" data-crop-width="" data-crop-height="" alt="2013 UCI WorldTour leader Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) will race the Giro d'Italia on this custom-painted Canyon Aeroad CF" title="1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-2b0a1b2" style="width: auto; height: 100%;"> 2013 UCI WorldTour leader Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) will race the Giro d’Italia on this custom-painted Canyon Aeroad CF James Huang/Future Publishing

Only a small handful of riders can rightfully lay claim to saying they’re “number one” and Katusha captain Joaquim Rodríguez has more right than most. The Spanish climbing specialist has stood atop the UCI WorldTour rankings in 2010, 2012, and 2013 and given the custom paint job provided to him by Canyon, he wants everyone to know.

Canyon team liaison Andreas Walzer says that ‘Purito’ picked out the paint scheme himself, which follows the general graphical pattern of stock Aeroad CF frames but with a gloss white base coat, red logos, and giant red ‘NO. 1 IN THE WORLD’ lettering across the top tube – in two languages, no less. Similar graphics are splashed across the inside of the fork blades, too.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C338 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1200%2C675 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C338 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?quality=45&resize=1200%2C675 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(max-width: 375px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=355%2C200, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=710%2C399 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1065%2C599 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1420%2C799 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 375px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?quality=90&resize=355%2C200, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?quality=45&resize=710%2C399 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?quality=45&resize=1065%2C599 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?quality=45&resize=1420%2C799 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(max-width: 425px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=405%2C228, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=810%2C456 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1215%2C683 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 425px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?quality=90&resize=405%2C228, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?quality=45&resize=810%2C456 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?quality=45&resize=1215%2C683 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 768px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=408%2C230, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=816%2C459 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1224%2C689 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?quality=90&resize=408%2C230, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?quality=45&resize=816%2C459 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176896-18uhmrb2rzc2k-fc2a4b4.jpg?quality=45&resize=1224%2C689 3x" type="image/jpeg"> And don’t you forget it!: James Huang/Future Publishing Selle Italia gets into the custom game as well with not only special graphics on the SLR Monolink saddle but also a custom shape, too. While regular SLR Monolink saddles are offered in cutout and non-cutout forms, Rodríguez gets a non-cutout version with a deep channel running the from tip to tail to relieve pressure. To go along with this, Canyon provides a special Monolink-compatible seatpost that uses a standard VCLS Aero carbon shaft but bonded to a custom machined aluminum head.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176908-b1463lrnzxqb-1000-90-dd62e12.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176908-b1463lrnzxqb-1000-90-dd62e12.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176908-b1463lrnzxqb-1000-90-dd62e12.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176908-b1463lrnzxqb-1000-90-dd62e12.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176908-b1463lrnzxqb-1000-90-dd62e12.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176908-b1463lrnzxqb-1000-90-dd62e12.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> Selle italia gets into the game as well with custom saddle graphics. note the years printed on the nose, too: Otherwise, Rodríguez is on a standard Aeroad CF frame in Canyon extra-small size. Aero tube shapes are used in several areas of the chassis – most notably in the head tube, down tube, and fork blades – and according to Canyon, the general design goal was to minimize the bike’s frontal area. As compared to the company’s more structurally efficient Ultimate CF SLX model, the Aeroad CF is certainly much narrower in profile along with a more compact rear triangle, a dramatically hourglass-profile head tube surrounding a downsized (for Canyon, that is) 1 1/8-to-1 1/4in steerer, and a more neatly integrated seatpost clamp that in this case also serves double duty as a number plate holder.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176942-1suka33lzuoq2-1000-90-1931683.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176942-1suka33lzuoq2-1000-90-1931683.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176942-1suka33lzuoq2-1000-90-1931683.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176942-1suka33lzuoq2-1000-90-1931683.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176942-1suka33lzuoq2-1000-90-1931683.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176942-1suka33lzuoq2-1000-90-1931683.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> The standard canyon aeroad cf seatpost clamp is replaced with this team-only edition that features an integrated number plate holder: One might wonder why a climbing specialist like Rodríguez chooses the Aeroad CF when the Ultimate CF SLX chassis is several hundred grams lighter, not to mention stiffer in both the drivetrain and in torsion. However, like many of the world’s best climbers, Rodríguez stands a modest 1.69m (5ft 6.5in) tall and his XS-size bike barely meets UCI minimum weight requirements with a standard Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9070 group, Mavic Cosmic Carbone Ultimate wheels, and an alloy Ritchey cockpit installed.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176925-1k0h5qhwn3a27-1000-90-58e24a2.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176925-1k0h5qhwn3a27-1000-90-58e24a2.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176925-1k0h5qhwn3a27-1000-90-58e24a2.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176925-1k0h5qhwn3a27-1000-90-58e24a2.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176925-1k0h5qhwn3a27-1000-90-58e24a2.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176925-1k0h5qhwn3a27-1000-90-58e24a2.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> Joaquim rodriguez (katusha) is more of a climber than a sprinter so the supplemental shimano dura-ace di2 buttons that are normally used on the drops are instead mounted up top: In fact, we measured the bike to be slightly below the limit at 6.79kg, even with the computer head installed.

Given that, there’s little reason not to give himself a bit of an aero edge – however slight – and with three podium finishes in his last four Grand Tours plus a strong field at this year’s Giro d’Italia, ‘Purito’ will want any advantage he can get.

Be sure to visit Cyclingnews for complete coverage of the Giro d’Italia .

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-1000-90-7727d41.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-1000-90-7727d41.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-1000-90-7727d41.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-1000-90-7727d41.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-1000-90-7727d41.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1399570176895-e0ide2im5qrl-1000-90-7727d41.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> 2013 uci worldtour leader joaquim rodriguez (katusha) will race at the giro d’italia on this custom painted canyon aeroad cf: Complete bike specifications

Frame: Canyon Aeroad CF, size XS Fork: Canyon Aeroblade SL Headset: Acros, 1 1/8-to-1 1/4in tapered Stem: Ritchey WCS 4-Axis, 100mm x -6° Handlebar: Ritchey WCS Classic, 40cm (c-c) Tape: Ritchey Logic EVA Front brake: Shimano Dura-Ace BR-9000 w/ carbon-specific pads Rear brake: Shimano Dura-Ace BR-9000 w/ carbon-specific pads Brake levers: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 STI Dual Control ST-9070 Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 FD-9070 Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 RD-9070 Shift levers: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 STI Dual Control ST-9070 w/ SW-R610 shifters mounted on bar tops Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace CN-9000, 11-25T Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace CN-9000 Crankset: Shimano Dura-Ace FC-9000, 170mm, 53/39T Bottom bracket: CeramicSpeed BB86 Pedals: Shimano Dura-Ace SPD-SL PD-90000 Wheelset: Mavic Cosmic Carbone Ultimate Front tire: ‘Mavic Yksion Grip Link’ tubulars, 22mm (likely made by Hutchinson) Rear tire: ‘Mavic Yksion Grip Link’ tubulars, 22mm (likely made by Hutchinson) Saddle: Custom Selle Italia SLR Monolink Seatpost: Custom Monolink-compatible by Canyon Bottle cages: Elite Custom Race (2) Other accessories: SRM PowerControl 7 computer Critical measurements

Rider’s height: 1.69m (5ft 6.5in) Rider’s weight: 58kg (129lb) Saddle height from BB, c-t: 690mm Saddle setback: 55mm Seat tube length (c-t): 489mm Seat tube length (c-c): 450mm Tip of saddle nose to center of bars (next to stem): 520mm Saddle-to-bar drop: 93mm Head tube length: 109mm Top tube length (effective): 527mm Weight: 6.79kg (14.97lb, with computer and cages)