Van Aert still has to get used to the new SRAM groupset

With the new year, sponsor changes have become effective in all cycling teams and that means new equipment for many of them. In the case of Jumbo-Visma the team has introduced a major change in its components by switching from Shimano to SRAM and that has meant that Wout van Aert has had to race with his new SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset with just a few days of adaptation.

Wout van Aert races for the first time with the SRAM Red eTap AXS

Before the HERENTALS event of the X20 Trofee, the Belgian had already anticipated what we later saw in the race:

"It takes a little time to get used to it and I usually shift in automatic." "It could indeed happen that I shift wrong in Herentals. But I should soon get used to that new shifting system," Van Aert told Sporza about his new SRAM Red eTap AXS wireless groupset installed on the Cervélo R5-CX.

And so it was. During the Herentals race we could constantly see Van Aert giving small bumps to the SRAM levers trying to adjust or modify them in the race or at each bike change. Something that wasn't an advantage for the Belgian, but didn't seem to weigh him down in his first race despite having to give in to Van der Poel on the last lap. Something that seemed more physical than mechanical.

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In addition to the SRAM groupset, the team also has new Reserve wheels, Speedplay pedals and Nimbl cycling shoes.

"On the road bikes, riders will also have to get used to the new shoes and pedals. They are very different from last year's and offer a big advantage in aerodynamics and weight," said Mathieu Heijboer, head of performance at Jumbo-Visma.

In any case, there are still a few CX races left before the World Championship where Van Aert will have time to adjust and adapt to the new equipment before the first big event of the year.