Tadej Pogačar rides a new 'significantly lighter' prototype Colnago time trial bike at the Tour de Romandie prologue

Tadej Pogačar debuted a prototype Colnago time trial bike during the prologue of the Tour de Romandie, finishing fifth in the short 3.2km event. The new machine, identified as the TT2 model, is set to succeed Colnago’s existing TT1 time trial bike, which has been a staple in their range for several years. Pogačar’s performance on the prototype, which was seven seconds behind stage winner Dorian Godon, marks an important step in testing the bike’s capabilities in a competitive setting. The TT2 bike represents a significant evolution focused primarily on weight reduction without compromising aerodynamic efficiency. Colnago claims the new frameset is 550 grams lighter than the TT1 and offers a two-watt aerodynamic advantage at 50kph, measured across various yaw angles. This balance of weight savings and improved aerodynamics is designed to appeal not only to elite riders like Pogačar but also to amateur cyclists, with the bike expected to be available through Colnago’s dealer network from September. Pogačar’s choice of equipment for the prototype includes a Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, Enve wheels, and Carbon-Ti components, alongside a triathlon-specific Fizik Aeris split nose saddle, differing from his usual road bike setup. With several time trials scheduled this season—including key stages at the Tour de Suisse and the Tour de France—the lighter TT2 could offer a crucial advantage, especially on courses featuring climbs. Notably, Pogačar’s preference for lighter bikes on mountainous time trials underscores the importance of weight savings in his race strategy. The introduction of the TT2 prototype signals a broader trend in time trial bike development, where manufacturers strive to optimise both aerodynamics and weight to meet the demands of modern racing. For Pogačar, who has previously opted for stripped-down road bikes on hilly time trials, the TT2 may provide the ideal compromise for upcoming challenges. As the season progresses, further insights into the bike’s performance in varied race conditions will be closely watched by teams and enthusiasts alike.