Tom Dumoulin's Giant TCR Advanced SL

The road machine of the Vuelta a España race leader

Tom Dumoulin aboard his Giant TCR Advanced SL on stage 16 of the Vuelta a España

Cor Vos / Giant Bicycles

Ben Delaney

Published: September 10, 2015 at 9:10 am
Tom Dumoulin aboard his Giant TCR Advanced SL on stage 16 of the Vuelta a España - Cor Vos / Giant Bicycles
Dumoulin won stage 9 to take the race lead for the first time - Cor Vos / Giant Bicycles
Dumoulin's mechanics installed red bar tape to match his leader's jersey - Cor Vos / Giant Bicycles
Despite leading the race, Dumoulin did not enter the Vuelta as the main favorite. He has also been working in support of team sprinter John Degenkolb - Cor Vos / Giant Bicycles
Giant-Alpecin features Shimano parts throughout the bikes, from the Di2 drivetrain to the PRO cockpit - Cor Vos / Giant Bicycles
Some riders use a chopped bottle for carrying flat-fixing supplies on training riders. Turns out Dumoulin uses the space for clothing storage - Cor Vos / Giant Bicycles

Dutchman Tom Dumoulin of Giant-Alpecin first climbed his way into the red leader's jersey at the Vuelta a España on stage 9, and then reclaimed the overall lead Wednesday with a crushing win in the time trial. With just three seconds' advantage over Astana's climbing specialist Fabio Aru, Dumoulin will have to defend the jersey aboard this Giant TCR Advanced SL.

Well before he won the Vuelta stage 17 time trial, Dumoulin has been known as an exceptional time trialist, with wins against the clock at stage races Critérium International, the Tour of the Basque Country and the Tour de Suisse, plus a bronze medal at last year's world championships.

Now the question is not whether Dumoulin can win against the clock but if he can defy gravity and Aru to hold onto his lead through the Vuelta's final climbing tests. If his performance on stage 9 is any indication — when he won atop the Alto de Puig Llorença climb ahead of Tour de France winner Chris Froome and other climbers like Nairo Quintana — then Dumoulin could well still be holding the lead when the race finishes Sunday in Madrid.

Related reading: Ride impressions and details on the 16 Giant TCR Advanced SL

Here’s a look at the TCR Advanced SL that Dumoulin is racing at the Vuelta. Re-engineered for 2016, the TCR Advanced SL has the highest stiffess-to-weight ratio of any high-end bike on the market today, according to Giant. Like many riders, Dumoulin picks wheels based on the stage profile. At the Vuelta, Dumoulin is racing Shimano C50 tubular wheels for flat days or the shorter C35 tubulars for many of the climbing days. Similarly, Dumoulin has used a 36t inner ring (in place of a 39) on some of the steeper stages, paired with the standard 53.

Be sure to visit Cyclingnews for complete coverage of the 2015 Vuelta a España.

Dumoulin's mechanics installed red bar tape to match his leader's jersey:

Complete bike specifications

  • Model: 2016 Giant TCR Advanced SL
  • Frame: Advanced SL-grade composite, size M/L
  • Fork: Advanced SL-grade composite, OverDrive 2 steerer
  • Handlebar: PRO Vibe Carbon, 42cm width
  • Handlebar tape: PRO
  • Stem: Pro Vibe Aluminum OD2, 130mm, -10 degrees
  • Seatpost: Integrated Variant Seatpost
  • Saddle: PRO Griffon 132
  • Pedals: Shimano Dura-Ace 9000
  • Shift Levers: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9070
  • Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9070
  • Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9070
  • Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace 9000
  • Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace 9000, 11-28t
  • Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace 9000
  • Crankset: Shimano Dura-Ace 9000, 175mm, 53/36t shown (53/39t on flatter stages)
  • Power meter: Pioneer SGY-PM90
  • Wheels: Shimano Dura-Ace C30/C50 tubulars
  • Tubulars: Vittoria Evo Corsa SC, 25mm
  • Bottle cages: Elite Pase Custom Carbon
  • Computer: Pioneer SGX-CA500
Some riders use a chopped bottle for carrying flat-fixing supplies on training riders. turns out dumoulin uses the space for clothing storage:

Ben Delaney

Contributor

Ben Delaney is a journalist with more than two decades of experience writing for and editing some of the biggest publications in cycling. Having studied journalism at the University of New Mexico, Ben has worked for Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, VeloNews and BikeRadar. He has also previously worked as Global Brand Communications Manager for Specialized. Ben covers all things road and gravel, and can be found logging big miles in the Rocky Mountains that nestle alongside his home in Boulder, Colorado. He has covered the most important bike races in the sport, from the Tour de France and Tour of Flanders, to the Unbound gravel race, and specialises in tech content, showcasing what the pros are riding and putting everyday equipment through its paces.
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