Julian Alaphillipe took an incredible solo win today on Stage 3 of the Tour de France, showcasing the rider's increasingly impressive all-round form. The S-Works Tarmac he rode may have played a smaller part than the Frenchman himself, but is well worth some admiration.
Alaphillipe's S-Works Tarmac is arguably the perfect breakaway weapon of choice, with a mix of aerodynamics, stiffness and light weight.
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While the S-Works SL6 Tarmac is less aerodynamic than the S-Works Venge, it is still every bit as aerodydnamic as the original S-Works Venge, and has been honed in Specialized's own 'Win Tunnel.'
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Alaphillipe has sided for relatively deep Roval CLX50 wheels, which most likely brings the weight right up to the UCI minimum of 6.8kgs. The wheels have been paired with S-Works Turbo tubular tyres, which mix grip and weight together nicely.
It's impossible to overlook the use of disc brakes by a high-profile GC contender like Alaphillipe, where many have opted to remain on rim brakes. The S-Works Tarmac uses 140mm rotors, smaller than some, but Alaphillipe's fast descending suggests that the smaller rotors are up to extremely harsh braking.
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Alaphillipe uses a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, with a standard 53-39 groupset, paired with a relatively rangey 11-28 rear cassette. That suggests the rider is confident he can make cadence on even the steepest of inclines without the use of a compact chainset.
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His front end is a little conservative by pro cycling standards, with a 10mm stem rather than the super-long 140mm stems that have become common in the WorldTour. That will aid his punchy and aggressive descending style.
Alaphillipe has used a soft felt fastening for his handlebar tape, rather than the cruder electric tape that normal consumers use, most likely to save on weight but also make for a more comfortable grip when on the tops. His tricolour K-Edge GPS mount is also a fantastic subtle flourish to the build.
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Alaphillipe, like all of Quickstep, uses a Bryton Rider 450 computer to relay speed and cadence, along with the power data from his integrated Shimano Dura-Ace power meter.
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Looking at Alaphillipe's form today, we can him to be putting his S-Works Tarmac through its paces in the mountains when vying for a possible GC victory.
