Ahead of the 2022 Tour de France SCOTT SPORTS introduced an entirely redesigned new version of their Foil aerodynamic road platform. In the hands of Team DSM’s stars, the bikes have been piloted on sprint stages, as one my expect; but also over the cobbles and into the mountains. This versatility is due to the fact that the updated Foil is not only 16 watts faster, at 40 kilometres per hour, resulting in an 18 second time saving in a 40 kilometre effort; but it is also 9% lighter than the out going version and significantly more comfortable. 

“We designed the bike with the rider’s impact on the overall aerodynamics in mind, along with their comfort and ability to generate power,” SCOTT SPORTS Product Engineer, Paul Remy stated. “For example, we determined that though deeper tube profiles may be faster in the wind tunnel, when you add a rider to the bike, they are actually less efficient than the final design we have created. The new SCOTT Foil therefore represents an integration of man and machine. It is optimized for comfort, with a 25 millimetre tyre up front, a vibration dampening seatpost and a 28 millimetre rear tyre.” 

“One of the big improvements over the outgoing Foil is the fact that our carbon team have painstakingly fine-tuned the layup to reduce the frame weight to just 915 grams,” Remy continued. “This means that for the Team DSM riders their total bike weight can be very close to the 6.8 kilogram UCI minimum, making the new Foil far more than just an aero bike for sprint stages. It’s now the perfect weapon for long-range attacks and breakaways. It climbs superbly, handles crisply, reduces fatigue with its improved comfort, provides aerodynamic advantages and is stiff enough to provide the snap WorldTour riders need to win bunch and small group sprints.” 

With the Tour de France entering the second half of the race the opportunities for Team DSM to launch their characteristically well-targeted moves are increasing by the day. The new SCOTT Foil adds a further arrow to their quiver of innovative tactics and explosive riders. Already Romain Bardet has been putting the bike to good use. “My first experience with the new Foil was very promising,” the Frenchman, who was positioned fourth on the general classification after 12 stages, said. “The responsiveness and speed are really on another level. It’s very exciting to return to the Tour de France with an exceptional bike like this!”

Bardet’s college, Lorena Wiebes, is the form sprinter in the Women’s WorldTour right now. The German is undoubtedly among the favourites to contest for the inaugural Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift stage when the race gets underway on the Champs Élysées, on 24th of July. “To be the fastest, it’s great to know we have the best equipment supporting us,” Wiebes enthused. “It was exciting to work closely with SCOTT to develop a bike that brings us big gains. I’m confident that this bike with contribute to even more success this season.”

To find out more about the new SCOTT Foil and to track its performances visit SCOTT Foil RC Pro Bike (scott-sports.com)