[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_text use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” _builder_version=”3.12″]

The third interview with a rider from Andorra; David is the national TT champion and he talks about his Canyon Ultimate SLX.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″][et_pb_text use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” _builder_version=”3.12″]

David

Lawyer & Fireman (part-time) 

  • Age: 32.
  • Height: 185cm.
  • Weight: 70kg.

 

The bike?

“This is my road bike – a Canyon SLX that I’ve been fortunate enough to own for three years. It’s a lovely bike and it hasn’t dated much at all.

“I’m the reigning Andorran national time trial champion, so the bike I compete on is a Scott Plasma that I’ve been on for four years.”

 

The Groupset?

“I’m running an earlier edition of SRAM Red on the Canyon and Ultegra Di2 on the Scott time trial bike… and that’s something that could end up costing me some of my savings as I realise how nice it is to use. 

“Okay, sure: the SRAM Red groupset is a solid performer and boasts a competitive weight.

“I’ve been pleased with it so far and it continues to serve me well for all my riding needs but, you know, it’d always be nice to make a change – especially after using Ultegra Di2 on the TT rig!” 

 

Kilometre count?

“I wouldn’t do more than 10,000km in a year because the training I need to do for time trialling is very specific and tailored to suit the shorter efforts that a TT normally entails. 

“I’d normally do two days of TT training a week and take the roadie out two or three times to maintain a good endurance base.”

 

Good points?

“The Canyon SLX is light, rigid and great to control on the descents – that’s a crucial factor when you live and ride in Andorra. The descents can be fierce!

“Having a bike that is reactive and ‘follows your orders’ when you’re bombing downhill at 70-80km/h is fantastic and allows me to descend with confidence.

“I’ve ridden other brands like Specialized and Cervélo – and, of course, the Scott time trial bike – and I think this bike is the best for descending.”

 

Bad Points?

“Honestly, I could do with a change of groupset on the Canyon; like I said, I’ve used electronic gears and I love them. Whilst SRAM Red works for me and I can’t complain, I think I have the Di2 bug now! But of course there are other commitments like my daughter and life in general. We’ll see.”

 

Miscellaneous

“As with many of the stronger riders in Andorra, I need an alternative to cycling in the winter, when many of the climbs in our country become impassable, especially with 23mm or 25mm tyres. It’s just too dangerous. 

“I find ski-mountaineering – or ski-mo as it’s called – gives me an excellent workout and you can enjoy the beautiful mountains without worrying about ending up in an icy ditch on the side of a descent.

“There are many places that don’t receive sunlight all day during the winter, so being able to do ski-mo means I stay fit and safe in the winter.”

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image animation=”left” sticky=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” _builder_version=”3.12″ src=”https://www.ridemedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_0272.jpg” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_text use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” _builder_version=”3.12″]

The interview was originally published in print in #RIDE74 (November 2016).

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″][et_pb_text use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” _builder_version=”3.12″]

‘Bikes from the Bunch’ was a regular feature of RIDE Cycling Review magazine for almost 20 years. For more interviews with riders talking about their bikes, search ‘ridemedia’ and ‘bikes from the bunch’.

 

Interviews with riders from Andorra talking about the bikes they ride:

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]