Team: Rabobank
Team: Rabobank
Bikes: Giant TCR Advanced SL Team; prototype time trial project
Info: Long sponsored by Colnago, Rabobank made the switch to Giant for 2009, picking up the redesigned TCR Advanced SL and one of the fastest TT bikes in the peloton along the way. Long a Shimano-affiliated team, some Rabobank riders will use a special edition of the TCR Advanced outfitted for the Di2 electronic group with all-internal routing for the wiring and battery pack mounts. The unnamed, prototype TT bike has been in the works for three years, but its revolutionary impact on the sport can be seen in the fact that no fewer than four other bikemakers have now adopted its ultralow, stemless handlebar attachment and external steering assembly.
Specs: Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain, brakes and wheels; PRO handlebar and stem; Vittoria tires; Selle Italia saddle
Team web site: http://www.rabobank.com/content/about_
us/sponsoring/cycling/