Van der Poel won with unprecedented Dura-Ace wheels

Mathieu van der Poel kicked off his road season with a great victory at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and he did so with a set of Dura-Ace wheels that have not yet been officially presented, which could hint at the next generation of the Japanese brand's top-of-the-line group.

The secret Shimano wheels with which Mathieu van der Poel won the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2026

The first major Flemish classic of the year once again confirmed that when Van der Poel accelerates at the right moment, the race breaks apart. His move on the Molenberg and the subsequent decisive attack on the Muur de Geraardsbergen gave him an uncontested solo victory. But beyond the sporting outcome, his Canyon Aeroad CFR made it clear that Shimano has significant innovations on the way.

The most striking element of the setup was the new wheelset. Although the rims did not display visible graphics, the hubs were identified as Dura-Ace, confirming that Shimano is testing an advanced evolution of its highest range in full competition.

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The most evident difference compared to the current Dura-Ace seems to be the use of carbon spokes instead of steel. This adds lateral stiffness and reduces weight without compromising aerodynamics. Additionally, it features internal nipples, hidden inside the rim, a detail that slightly improves airflow, although it requires removing the tire and rim tape to center and adjust them. 

In a close-up image accessed by BikeRadar, the measurement 622 x 23TC could be read. So we are looking at a 700c rim with 23 mm internal width and a hooked profile, meaning it is compatible with traditional "hooked" tubeless systems. This is relevant information because the current Dura-Ace C50 have 21 mm internal width.

The wheels were fitted with Pirelli P Zero Race TLR RS tubeless tires in a 30 mm size, a width that is now well established in the northern classics for its balance between efficiency, grip, and absorption over cobblestones.