The possible Specialized Tarmac SL9 is already competing: three appearances in three races fuel the rumors

The one that seems to be the future Specialized Tarmac SL9 has taken another step in its development process. After months of discreet testing and several appearances captured outside of competition, the new prototype from the American brand has already been seen officially competing in professional calendar races.

The possible Specialized Tarmac SL9 is already competing: three appearances in three different races accelerate rumors ahead of the Tour

The first time we talked about this bike was at the end of May, when an image accidentally published by the Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe team during a training camp in Sierra Nevada showed a completely black bike that did not match the current Tarmac SL8. That photograph, deleted shortly after from social media, immediately sparked speculation about the next generation of Specialized's most important bike.

Subsequently, during the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, several units of this mysterious model reappeared in the environment of the Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe team. However, on that occasion, the bikes were mainly seen during reconnaissance, training, and paddock areas, without being used in races.

The situation has changed this week.

Three riders, three races, and the same bike

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For the first time, the supposed new model from Specialized has been used in competition by three different riders in three different events on the international calendar.

 

 

 

 

 

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Primož Roglič appeared with it in the Tour de Suisse, Florian Lipowitz used it in the Tour of Slovenia, and Tim Merlier did the same in the Belgium Tour.

The most striking detail is that all three riders used a completely black bike that is clearly different from those used by the rest of their teammates, a common strategy when brands try to hide the final details of a new launch.

Although Specialized has yet to officially confirm the existence of a new Tarmac, the fact that top-level riders are already using it in competition suggests that the official presentation could be very close.

What we know so far

So far, very few technical details have emerged since the first images leaked in Sierra Nevada.

The photographs show a clear evolution compared to the current Tarmac SL8, but without completely breaking with its design philosophy.

The most evident change is found in the area of union between the fork and the head tube. This area appears to be deeper and bulkier than in the current generation, a solution that directly points to an improvement in aerodynamic efficiency.

It is also noticeable a fork with a slightly more forward position relative to the steering axis, a detail that matches some leaked renders from weeks ago and could be part of a global redesign of the front of the bike.

At the rear, there is also a new integration of the seat tube with the rear wheel. The tube seems to hug the tire more closely, reducing the free space and following a trend clearly aimed at improving aerodynamic performance.

Beyond these visual details, no new information has emerged regarding weights, geometries, materials, or performance figures.

Everything now points to the next big stage being directly at the Tour de France 2026, where Remco Evenepoel could compete with it.

For now, there are no official confirmations or additional technical data, but the appearances this week make us think that the next Tarmac is much closer than it seemed just a few weeks ago.