WE ARE CYCLISTS - SEPT.18 01 - DECATHLON Presse
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CycloSport |
#
WE
ARE
CYCLISTS
#wearecyclists
SEPT.18 01 1
#WEARECYCLISTS
CycloSport |
EDITORIAL
LE VELO ROUTE MIS A L’HONNEUR
DANS UNE PUB TV
PRINT : CMJN > 95-45-5-0
A PARTIR DU 17 OCTOBRE 2018
PRINT : CMJN > 95-45-5-0
We’re proud to introduce the very first issue of
#WeAreCyclists.
Our Road Cycle teams wanted to share a behind-the-
scenes look at our Signature Sport, as well as some
VESTE CYCLOSPORT HIVER HOMME great stories of men, women and products.
50€
Sharing our passion is the raison d’être of this magazine,
CHAUDE, COUPE VENT ET RESPIRANTE
which is aimed at all the Decathlon team members.
DÉVELOPPÉE ET TESTÉE PAR NOS INGÉNIEURS POUR LES #WeAreCyclists will be issued twice a year and will be
CONDITIONS HIVERNALES, CETTE VESTE VOUS PROTÉGERA available in Decathlon stores and warehouses.
DU FROID LORS DE VOS ENTRAÎNEMENTS.
In this first issue, we go behind the scenes of a
photoshoot in Scotland; head off on a road trip to
Vietnam, where we visit the factory of our industrial
partner who manufactures our bikes’ carbon fibre
frames; and take a closer look at the work of our
technical partners alongside whom we develop our
#WeAreCyclists - Issue 1
A publication of the Decathlon France products.
Road Cycle teams.
Text : Alexandre Chenivesse,
Beautiful stories are lived together, so feel free to share
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
Jonathan Maupin, Quentin Le Claire yours... who knows, they might end up published in a
Photos : Quentin Le Claire, future issue of #WeAreCyclists!
Damien Lecarpentier, Gus Sev, Pascal Giroire
Layout : Alexandre Chenivesse,
DISPONIBLE
DISPONIBLE EN
EN 3 COLORIS 3 COLORIS Camille Thiebaut
Proofreading : Yann Carré
Printing Imprimerie Guillaume, The Decathlon Road Cycle Teams
all rights reserved - September 2018
2 3
CycloSport |
CYCLE TOURING
February 2018, the Isle of Mull: An autumn outing along wet roads,
exploring the lakes and coastline of western Scotland.
©Pascal Giroire BTWIN
CONTENTS BICYCLE TOURING (n.) 1. Also known as cyclotourism. Cycling trip whose main
8 Destination: Scotland objective is the discovery and enjoyment of roads and landscapes, independent of
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
16 Garment Design distance or elevation. Synonymous with comfort, fun and discovery and devoid of
20 Our Cycle Touring Selection
22 Ladies Ride competitiveness, it is open to all.
4 5
CycloSport |
SPORT CYCLING
July 23, 2018, Innsbruck (Austria). Dry run of the next Road World Championships route
by the members of the B’TWIN | AG2R LA MONDIALE U19 team.
© GusSev
CONTENTS SPORT CYCLING (n.) 1. Intense amateur cycling on the road. 2. Cyclosportive (n.):
26 Carbon Frames Manufacturing The cyclist’s state of mind: get up at dawn, no matter the weather conditions, put
36 Behind the Scenes at the 2018 Fall-Winter Collection Photoshoot
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
on your race number, pedal, climb, descend, take relays, fight it out in the peloton.
46 The History of the New CPR Shoes 3. Sport cycling = a thirst for speed, for larger spaces and for the pleasure of riding
50 Our Sport Cycling Selection
with friends.
52 In the Wheel of Our Technical Partner B’TWIN | AG2R LA MONDIALE U19
58 Crash Test: B’TWIN 900 Helmet
6 7
CycloTourisme
CycloSport | | en shoot
WINTER
IS COMING*
Article : Jonathan Maupin
Photo report Pascal Giroire
* l’hiver arrive
IN THE COLD, IN THE RAIN, AGAINST THE WIND
For five days we travelled the roads of beautiful Western
Scotland, the perfect destination for putting our new fall/
winter 2018 collection to the test. The trip was also an
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
opportunity to discover a country with incredible natural
resources - a dream playground for any rider looking
for dramatic scenery. Discover the story of our road
ambassadors, accompanied by stunning photos of their
cycling expedition.
8 9
CycloTourisme
CycloSport | | en shoot
«This island was ama- «Without question it was
zing. Incredibly beau- the landscapes; they make
Crossing a sea channel with your bike has something romantic tiful, incredibly cold me want to go back»
also...»
about it. Doing so in Scotland, in February, in temperatures Back from his trip of winter colours, Sébastien, a Decathlonian of 15
well below 5°C... now that sounds like the beginning of a real years and cycling enthusiast, answers our questions and shares his
adventure. experiences of this new getaway destination:
Our five ambassadors (Mathilde, Rebecca, Mick, Matt and Had you ever visited Scotland before?
Sébastien) arrive at the Isle of Mull, one of the countless jewels of “As a teenager I went on a language exchange programme in a farm, but
the Scottish west coast. Once landed at the picture-perfect village not in the Highlands. It was fall, and it rained all throughout my stay. It
of Tobermory, there’s no wasting time. First up for our riders, an 80 Winter conditions don’t phase Rebecca: «If I had to put my bike was extremely cold. We had hot-water bottles in the bed because there
km loop on the island’s northern tip, before enjoying some down away every time it rained or got cold in England, I would never ride! was no heating in the rooms. It was a bit tough...”
time in this traditional fishing village. You just need to choose your clothes wisely and be equipped to
Our five cyclists quickly leave the colourful sea views and the fishing deal with the weather, and after a good ride there’s nothing better What did you expect to discover in Scotland?
boats behind to find themselves in a breathtaking landscape. Peaty than having a hot chocolate.» Mick (cycling advisor in Sheffield) “I knew there would be some incredible landscapes, but they were far
lichen and moss on the side of the road are still covered with a thin is of a similar mind. After spending his younger years racing, he from what I had in mind; like everyone you imagine rolling hills, a lot
layer of snow that struggles to melt despite the low temperatures. now prefers to go on long outings, taking the time to enjoy the of green with castles and guys in kilts who drink whiskey (laughs). But
The feeling of being alone (apart from the hundreds of sheep) on a landscape, sharing with his friends and taking a break for a coffee actually, it is incredibly mountainous - not very high peaks but steep
new planet begins to set in, as our explorers continue their journey and a piece of cake before heading back in at the end of a great slopes - and there are lots of lakes. The views are incredibly powerful; You
of discovery. day outdoors. discover a wild side and an aspect of nature that are completely different
from what I could have imagined.”
The sun finally makes a brief appearance - but as for warmth, we’ll Time now to check out this autumn-winter collection, amidst the
have to come back much later in the year for that! The landscapes wonderful Scottish scenery. What struck you the most?
are breathtaking and the roads, though somewhat damaged by a “Without question it was the landscapes; they make me want to go back.
harsh winter, are passable. The bumps are manageable and when Bon voyage! The vastness of it all was a shock for me, everything is so visual.”
it gets a little too tense, we have the group, and that helps. Mick
and his fellow cyclists agree to take a break at Calgary Bay, whose Would you recommend this destination to a fellow cyclist?
white sand and turquoise waters are like an oasis in the desert, “If you want to experience something different, it’s probably one of the
unexpected given the temperature. most beautiful countries you could visit (and it’s not too far, either). It’s
No swimming this time, though. After 2 hours of cycling, it’s high designed for cycling; you come across very few cars while you’re cycling
time to think about hitting Tobermory and have a well-earned meal, on the islands. There are winding roads, so you’re never bored; no two
before taking the ferry to Drimnin and its small port. Our cyclists things are the same. It’s otherworldly without having to go to the other
then make their way to their accommodation for the occasion, end of the world!”
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
located in the village of Ardnish.
Ready to head off on a trip to Scotland?
This trip was the perfect definition of cycle touring for Rebecca (UK
financial controller). “I love discovering new places, spending time
with friends or family, sharing a passion and having some time to
catch up while exercising.”
10 11
CycloTourisme
CycloSport | | en shoot
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
12 13
CycloTourisme
CycloSport | | en shoot
“After a good outing,
there’s nothing better
than going for a hot
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
chocolate or a coffee!”
14 15
CycloTourisme
CycloSport | | conception
UNDERSTANDING
GARMENT OUR CONSUMER
DESIGN
What for? For whom?
Asking the right questions is the first key step to meeting the
expectations of our cyclists when designing our products. Before
any product hits the market, there is the preliminary work of
market research and moodboard design before a specific request
is brought to the design team. That’s Wim’s job. A consumer-
outfit manager, road-bike enthusiast for over 17 years and born
in the road cycling capital of Flanders, Belgium, Wim’s job is (in
his own words) “to understand the road-cycling market, the
cyclists themselves, and especially their needs. We now work on
a per consumer basis, which allows us to better refine the product
responses we are working on.” Once the answers are summarised
in a brief, it’s time to design the products. It’s at this point that our
design team comes into its own.
THE RIGHT TECHNIQUE
Article : Jonathan Maupin
photos : Quentin Le Claire
Every year, our product lines evolve to offer our athletes the best With brief in hand, it’s now up to the product engineer to deal with order to make improvements.”
solutions for their road cycling. We went to meet our garment key technical questions: choice of materials, suppliers and costs.
design teams to get a better understanding of their craft and of For almost 4 years now, Eloi has been the Triban team’s garment This commitment to ensuring our collections evolve explains - for
the entire design chain, from the initial ideas to the final product. engineer; here he explains the team’s mission: example – why we changed the sizes of pockets, altered sleeve
Read on to find out more about what our product managers, lengths and expanded the necklines of our upcoming jerseys, as
garment product engineers, designers and prototypists do when “Using the product brief, we highlight a list of benefits we want our well as a myriad of other little details that serve to improve the
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
designing our touring collections, courtesy of Wim, Eloi, Marion, product to have. The choice of components is very important, so I product’s performance. All of these choices are made with the help
Jean Philippe, Camille and Amélie. work closely with the garment engineers at the Decathlon development of the other members of the design team, including the designers
centre when it comes to choosing material. For the winter lines, for and prototypists, with whom our engineers are in constant contact.
instance, we look for elasticity, coupled with breathability and warmth
– not forgetting visibility! It can sometimes be complicated, but that’s
our job, so year after year we make sure to ask the right questions in
16 17
CycloTourisme
CycloSport | | conception
WHEN IT’S BEAUTIFUL DRESSED
IT’S EVEN BETTER TO THE NINES
After conceptualising the product and making technical the most technical categories, which is really satisfying
choices, we need to create prototypes; these will give us a to work on!” This motivation and desire to learn are
first physical feel for what will become the future products. also found in the ever-evolving industry techniques,
The prototype will also help us perform tests in real as Amélie explains: “For example, even my colleagues
conditions to make any necessary changes before large-scale who have more than 30 years’ experience are still learning
manufacturing begins. Amid a huge printout of patterns, about new processes; machines and tools evolve quickly,
sewing machines and mannequins covered with dozens of not to mention 3D software, which is becoming more and
pins, Camille and Amélie are working away on future models more common.”
of the line’s shorts and jerseys.
The atelier is clearly a place geared towards innovation,
When asked why they work in cycling rather than in the with products that will meet new expectations in
world of fashion, as per their initial training, Camille replies: the years to come. “Even though riders will always be
“It’s cool to make clothes for everyday use, but when you deal sitting on a saddle, and those riders will always feel heat
with a particular sport with its own additional constraints, such in the same places, new answers are available through
as Decathlon’s price standard or certain technical elements, fast-developing techniques and materials,” concludes
that makes the job very challenging. Cycling apparel is one of Camille.
If you ask Triban designers Marion and Jean-Phi-
lippe to define their job in three words, they begin
with creativity. «It’s a job of constant awakening; every
day brings its share of surprises which then lead to an
idea that is adaptable to the product.»
Next they both mention team effort, because they
need other disciplines to put their ideas to the test
and make the designs feasible. Finally, discipline,
which is needed to “rein in the creative spirit that
sometimes gets too wild”, according to Marion. For
Jean-Philippe, it’s appeal, because that is the purpo-
se of their work.
“It’s not about making the same cold-weather year
in, year out so we can stay in our comfort zone. We
have to bring coherent responses to the needs of each
consumer. We need to express the potential of the pro-
duct through our design proposals.” Marion concurs:
“The choice of colours and material is not just a matter
of the product looking good, it plays a role in how it is ahead of time, it’s sometimes hard to remember
perceived. Take a simple example, that of safety. This the products within the collection that’s just about
is a very important aspect for all cyclists. If we place it to come out: “The fall/winter 2018 collection? I can’t
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
at the centre of our project, we’ll opt for bright colours remember… I’m working on 2020 right now!” laughs
and retro-reflective graphics, for example.” Jean-Philippe.
The job of a designer is in constant flux: trends,
needs and expectations change every season. Wor-
king on the upcoming collections over two years
18 19CycloTourisme
CycloSport | | boutique
WINTER
ESSENTIALS
MEN’S
COLD-WEATHER
500 BIB TIGHTS
WITH
SUSPENDERS
Suggested price : 40€ - réf 8502381
Whether on short or medium
distances, the RC500 bib tights
are guaranteed to keep your legs
warm while providing comfor-
table seating. The back mesh al-
lows for better moisture-wicking
to stay dry and warm.
LONG-SLEEVE 500
BASE LAYER
Suggested price : 15€ - réf 8369383
Whether on a cool autumn morning or a
winter outing, this base layer will give you
the warmth you need during workouts, while
guaranteeing good moisture-wicking.
COLD-WEATHER
500 SOCKS
Suggested price : 8€ - réf 8396773
COLD-WEATHER 500
Designed to improve the ther- CYCLO-TOURING
mal comfort of cyclists’ feet in COLD-WEATHER 500 JACKET
cold weather, the blend of Me-
rino and Thermolite wools is
CYCLING GLOVES Suggested price : 70€ - réf 8502379
Suggested price: 18€ - réf 8396968
light and doesn’t retain mois- This jacket is a must for any cyclist wanting
ture. to venture out on the roads this winter.
Designed to be used throughout the winter, these glo-
ves are easy to carry and easy to wear when handling While guaranteeing essential breathability,
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
brakes, gears, etc. the RC500 jacket protects you from the
cold, and its water-repellent membrane will
keep you dry under a fine rain.
20 21CycloTourisme
CycloSport | | ladies
LADIES Mathilde, Image Leader et Rebbeca,UK Financial Controller
RIDE !
It’s been over a year and a half since the
B’TWIN WOMEN’S ROAD CYCLING project
saw the light. The goal of the project was to
better serve our female athletes by creating
products that were designed with their
morphological requirements, activity and
style in mind. The market proves that there’s
an increasing number of women trying out
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
road cycling - so, it’s time to let people know
about it and highlight women cyclists to get
more and more of them on our roads!
22 23CycloTourisme
CycloSport | | ladies
VIRGINIE WHAT’S
DEPRES
“WE’RE PROUD NEXT ?
TO WORK ON Big cycle-touring news will be announced in the
next issue as well as the latest for 2019. We’ll meet
PRODUCTS MADE As a result of women’s interest in this activity,
industry leaders are beginning to understand the
the designers of our future TRIBAN bikes to learn
about their job and their product-line choices. We’ll
introduce you to our new featured personality as
FOR US, BY US!“
need to have a dedicated product response, as
opposed to a mixed one - the case for a long time. well as the story of people and products she stands
for through the spring-summer collection. We can’t
“We are proud to work on products that are made wait for 2019 to be here so we can share all our
for us, by us! Why should we settle for products stories with you! But for now, the road-cycling team
designed for men when we are not built the same wishes you a good end of the year.
at all?”
Thus a completely new range was developed,
with newer products to be gradually introduced to
Decathlon stores. Bicycles, outfits, new shorts with
a customised skin and other innovations are all on
the drawing board. “For newcomers to the sport,
GET IN TOUCH
our newly designed bike will make all the difference:
the ‘Triban Easy,’ which will definitely remove a lot Enjoy the article? Have any questions? Maybe an
of obstacles from cycling. It will be equipped with idea for a topic or article? Don’t hesitate to contact
extra resistant tyres, a double braking position, a Alexandre at: alexandre.chenivesse@btwin.com or
simplified gear shifter, all at unbeatable value for via B’TWIN’s Facebook page.
Interview by Jonathan Maupin money.”
photo : Quentin Le Claire
There are also several garment innovations
planned for 2020, particularly in terms of new
Virginie Depres, consumer head for the meets the needs of female road cyclists. general manager of the Arras store and the shorts. SHARE YOUR PHOTOS
women’s road-cycling team, had a clear To achieve this together with designers Henin Beaumont store. As a mother-of-two To conclude, Virginie shared her ambition for the
vision: to engage with women cyclists, and product engineers, we spend a lot of that’s passionate about cycling, Virginie next few years with us:
she wanted to design and develop a time observing consumers and asking returned to B’TWIN and became product When sharing your cycling photos on social media,
dedicated range to help promote the sport them questions; we pay close attention to manager of children’s bicycles. “My dream is for women’s cycling to become as don’t forget the hashtags! Here are a few:
and recruit new cyclists. what’s happening on the market to better widespread as men’s (which is already the case in
#TRIBAN
By surrounding herself with an all-female understand expectations and trends, so we Then, a year and a half ago, the company some countries, like Canada for example). Women’s
design team, she’s able to respond to their can come up with products that will help our asked her to lead the women’s road-cycling cycling is following in the footsteps of running,
#TRIBANCOMMUNITY
expectations and meet their needs better female consumers. project—where everything had to be built where today we have almost as many female #ROADCYCLING
than anyone else. After that comes the whole design phase from scratch. Virginie took up the challenge, runners as male ones. Every year we have more and #RIDEWITHTRIBAN
where, together with the design team and and started building her all-female team. more women taking up the cycling. So, if as a team #TRIBANEXPERIENCE
Virginie told us a little more about her role, key industrial processes, we develop the we do a good job of designing products that will be
#TRIBANXPERIENCE
her background, the team’s objectives, the products that eventually reach the market.” ““Today, we’re a team of eight, all passionate relevant for women, at unbeatable value for money,
future of their collections and about the about cycling in different ways. For example, then we will have won.”
#TRIBANCYCLING
investment B’TWIN has made in women’s Virginie has been and done it all, starting in the team we have a former professional
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
road cycling. out as cycling department manager 12 cyclist and a few triathletes, but also girls We can’t wait to see where Virginie and her team
years ago. She then joined the “Passion who just ride for the simple pleasure of will go next!
Virginie first explained her role in the brand” as head of communications of taking in the landscape. That said, we all
women’s road-cycling project: children’s bicycles, before becoming believe in the project – that’s success for
bicycle accessories merchandiser. She me!”
“My job is to build a global offer that went back to retail seven years ago as
24 25HAUTECOUTURE
CycloSport | immersion
FRAMES
Going deep into carbon-frame production facilities
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
Article : Alexandre Chenivesse
Photo report : Damien Lecarpentier
26 27CycloSport | immersion
T
his spring, our design teams travelled to Vietnam, from 16 B’TWIN VILLAGE (180,000 m²) site.» says Damien, Image Leader and explains Louis. The temperature and humidity are controlled; this
to 21 April, to visit the factories of our industrial partner, author of the photos for this story. is very important for the stability of the process and the quality
VIP. Here, VIP makes the carbon fibre frames of our of the product. VIP controls the formulation and manufacture
ULTRA CF road bikes, as well as a part of the Rockrider “What surprised me the most were the heat and the humidity: 35°C, of the resin. They use about a dozen types of fibres with different
CF mountain bike. On the trip: Louis, frame engineer; Marc-Antoine, 80% humidity. In the building where they paint the frames, and in most weights (g/m²), and resistance (24 T, 40T, etc.).These long sheets
designer; Pierre, designer; and Damien, Image Leader. of other buildings, the climate and humidity are controlled... but, man, measuring several tens of meters are wound on spools and then
The trip’s purpose? Oversee the launch of the new ranges of carbon is it hot!” stored in freezers at -18°C to stabilise the resin.
fibre frames. “We’ve been working with VIP because they truly have
the know-how when it comes to carbon. Our partner’s teams are The small group was welcomed by Mark, the factory’s commercial STAGE 2 consists in making a form with EPS (expanded
doing superb work and have unparalleled expertise in this area,” manager, who speaks impeccable English. polystyrene), which takes the inner shape of the frame. These
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
explains Nicolas Pierron, CycloSport sports leader. The factory is “We then took a tour of the factory, where they walked us through EPS forms are made in aluminium moulds; the process is secret
located 45 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City. each production stage,” recounts Pierre. VIP collaborates with and very technical. “We can’t take pictures,” points out Damien. A
many international bike brands. “They are real experts in this field,” bladder (a very thin plastic tube) is placed on the EPS form and
“It’s pretty weird; the factory is lost in the middle of the forest. We get explains Marc Antoine. then a vacuum is created in order to press it against the EPS.
there after travelling 30 minutes on the highway and 15 minutes along
small roads leading to the site. The factory is huge – it’s as big as the STAGE 1 is the production of the raw material, prepreg sheets STAGE 3 consists in preparing the pieces that will be used to
28 (carbon fibre impregnated with resin). “It’s a top secret process,” manufacture the frames. The carbon sheets (previously thawed) 29CycloSport | immersion
are cut to lengths of about 2 m, stacked and folded with a “There are essential check points to ensure the quality of the product
predetermined angle (±45°, ±30°...). This forms the slabs from
which the pieces that will be used in the manufacture of the
component will be cut.
throughout the manufacturing process,” explains Mark, who knows
the secrets of carbon fibre frames in detail. There are checks for
appearance, geometry, weight, etc., with a camera (for internal
“THE QUALITY
CONTROLS ARE
The carbon slabs are cut according to very precise specifications. inspection) and with x-rays. Non-compliant frameworks must be
Highly skilled operators place the carbon pieces on the EPS form; immediately destroyed.
this is high-precision work. Each piece must be placed down to In addition, a number of frames are taken from production for
the mm and in a specific order. More than 200 carbon pieces are destructive lab tests.»
PRECISE”
needed just for the front triangle. All the pieces are weighed to the
gram. “I was impressed by the accuracy of the operators’ actions,” STAGE 8. Surface preparation. After the bonding stage, all
said Pierre. appearance defects have to be corrected. The frames are sanded
down ever more finely. The smallest flaws have to be fixed so as to
STAGE 4. The casting. While the frame is still flexible, it is placed have a perfect surface for painting. It’s a very long and painstaking
in the mould and pressed down. The mould is heated and air is stage. “Here we start to see a bicycle frame,” adds Pierre.
injected into the bladders following a precise temperature and
pressure cycle. The resin will harden; this is called polymerisation. STAGE 9. Painting and decorating. On to another building. Our
At the end of the process the frame is rigid. group goes into the paint workshop, where temperature and
humidity are controlled. Only liquid paint is used for a better
STAGE 5. The frame is pulled out of the mould and deburred rendering, a finer thickness (weight requirements) and a low
to remove excess resin. The bladders and the EPS (which has processing temperature (90°C max).
recessed with the heat) are removed. Several primer and colour coats are required. Next the decorative
elements are applied followed by a coat of varnish. The more
STAGE 6 : Machining. The frame is machined and prepped for colours there are, the more complex the procedure. “No making
the steps of bonding the bases, fork and aluminium parts (front mistakes here, this is top craftsmanship work!” says Damien.
derailleur hanger, cable stops, etc.). “Actually, at this point it still
doesn’t look like a bicycle frame, because the elements haven’t been STAGE 10. The frame is now polished to give it a perfect finished
assembled yet. We can’t wait to see the assembling,” says Damien. look. “Now, we go into the details—the frame in all its splendour,”
gushes Marc Antoine.
STAGE 7. Machining. The frame is machined and prepped for
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
the steps of bonding the bases, fork and aluminium parts (front STAGE 11. Guides are placed inside the frame to facilitate the
derailleur hanger, cable stops, etc.). “Actually, at this point it still mounting of cables at the Lille factory. “This is an important time
doesn’t look like a bicycle frame, because the elements haven’t saver for the assembling of the bikes. Just like the traceability that
been assembled yet. We can’t wait to see the assembling,” says is put in place at all stages of the frame manufacturing. We know
Damien. exactly which carbon sheets have been used,” says Louis.
30 31CycloSport | immersion
STAGE 12. Logistics. The frame is protected
and packed. All done! Now for a long 5- to
6-week journey by ship.
“What struck me most from this visit was
the incredible level of expertise of the VIP
teams. You feel the mastery in their actions,
the minutiae of the assembly in the different
stages,” points out Pierre.
“We have many framework projects for years
to come, and we know we can count on the
know-how of our partner VIP to realise those
projects,” adds Marc Antoine, design chief of
the upcoming carbon fibre frames.
Our group ended their visit with a working
meeting on the brand’s future bikes, with
various projects underway. Finally, the VIP
teams returned the favour and came to France
to visit the B’TWIN VILLAGE this summer. A
true win-win relationship.
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#wearecyclists
32 33CycloSport | technique
ASSEMBLY FROM A TO Z
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
Since last summer, the AML factory, which is located within The workshop stand assembly results in improved quality, relia-
the B’TWIN Village in Lille, has been assembling the CycloSport bility, and flexibility compared to an assembly line. At the end,
road bikes using workshop stands manned by a single techni- every bike is “signed” by the technician who assembled it.
cian, for both the ULTRA AF and ULTRA CF frames.
34 Photo report: Damien Lecarpentier 35CycloSport | en shoot
TAKING
ON THE PYRENEES
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
Article : Alexandre Chenivesse
Photo report: Pascal Giroire
36 37CycloSport | en shoot
page 38
ÉLISE I
t’s Elise Delzenne’s first B’TWIN year I became Championne de France
photoshoot. “During this week in the élite, and a few months after, I became
Pyrenees, I was really impressed by a professional cyclist.”
the photographers’ skills: they would
lie in the middle of the road at 7 in the The former France team member
THE COMPETITOR morning to get the best shots,” says
Elise.
started as a technical partner for
B’TWIN. “I enjoyed testing the textile
products and offering my input,
A former top athlete, Elise has been both positive and negative. Soon the
ACHIEVEMENTS AND TITLES: : working as a garment product product manager offered me the job –
2007
engineer in the women’s road bike I didn’t think twice!”
Championne de France sur route juniors
2013 team for almost a year now. “My job is
Championne de France sur route interesting and rewarding. I feel totally “I like challenges and I approach my
3e de la Coupe de France at home. I have the chance to combine job as such. That’s my competitive
Prix de Nogent l'Abbesse
my experience as a professional cyclist, side. I get involved 100% in every
2015
Dwars door de Westhoek my studies in textile engineering and project. But it’s also one of my flaws. I
5e étape de Gracia Orlová my passion for cycling.” take things to heart.”
2e de l'Erondegemse Pijl
2e de l'Open de Suède Vårgårda TTT (contre-la-montre par équipes)
Elise’s career is atypical. In 2007 Elise has since pulled away from
(Cdm)
2016 she won her first France Road Race the pelotons - but not too far, as she
Trophée d'or : Championship title and got her occasionally appears on Eurosport
Classement général Science Baccalauréat. In September, to comment the women’s races as a
1re étape (contre-la-montre)
she decided to stop competing to consultant.
2e de La Classique Morbihan
3e du championnat de France du contre-la-montre focus on her studies. In 2009, she
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
3e du Grand Prix de Plumelec-Morbihan Dames was admitted to the Ecole Nationale “I have no regrets about not competing
3e de Gooik-Geraardsbergen-Gooik Supérieur des Arts et de l’Industrie anymore. I feel more fulfilled now.”
3e du BeNe Ladies Tour
Textile.
2017
2e étape du Festival luxembourgeois du cyclisme féminin Elsy “In my last year of school, I felt
Jacobs something was missing and so I
started competing again. The following
38 39CycloSport | en shoot
Discover what goes into signature-sport photoshoots with some
road cycling fiends!
When it comes to organising photoshoots, “Side note: we actually had to turn around at
Damien Lecarpentier, Image Leader, relies on the Col d’Aubisque pass because of the snow
an internal network of expertise. blocking the passage. Otherwise, the funniest
“I scouted and set up every ‘spot’ where we’re incident was when we crossed paths with
going to shoot. We prep all the gear before a group of cyclists wearing their summer
the trip, every outfit kit, every bike... and every outfits... while we, we were wearing our winter
cyclist,” says Damien. gear in 28°C heat.
“Next, off to the Pyrenees for a week of work. The teams had a laugh about it and were
We’d get up before sunrise, around 6:00 a.m., game to do the take again.
to get the right light. It’d often still be dark We got really lucky with the weather. It was
when we headed out. But once on location, just during the last two hours of the last day
we hit the ground running.” For every picture, of shooting that we had to deal with a mix of
there’s several ride-by’s: “In fact, there was a snow and rain.”
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
ride-by for the drone footage, then two for the Back in Lille, we sat down to tackle the long
onboard cameras, then another two or three work of sorting and editing the images.
for the actual photos.” Of the 20,000 photos we shot, only 2,000
Every day had an outfit kit and a shoot could make the cut.
location assigned. Unsurprisingly, it required Want to get involved with our next
a lot of organisation to make sure nothing’s photoshoot? Contact
40 forgotten or missed. damien.lecarpentier@btwin.com 41CycloSport | en shoot
CLÉMENT
BODIN
JOB :
PRODUCT ENGINEER
MISSION :
DESIGN THE MOST
TECHNICAL OUTFITS
C
lément Bodin has been working as a ergonomics, Clément is in charge of the design and
garment product engineer in the men’s development of garment products for the CycloSport
CycloSport division for a year now, having division.
previously worked as part of the Géonaute “I love working on the product from A to Z. From the
team as well as the R&D team. original idea, to the first prototypes, all the way to its
A long time member of the French Cycling Federation, manufacturing,” says Clément who is working on the
Clément was a 1st class racer with the BIC 2000 2019 Autonomous Winter collection as well as on
club in Brest. He has stood alongside riders such the 2020 Spring/Summer collection, already.
as Olivier LeGac, who today is a professional team
member of Groupama-FDJ. «I take advantage of the photoshoots to test my
He is no stranger to photoshoots. “The teams would future products in real-world conditions, as well as
often ask me to play the ‘dummy’ on the collections,” those of my colleagues (helmets, shoes, bikes...). This
says Clément, who still trains today up in the North, allows me an opportunity to self-critique and listen to
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
but no longer competes. the feedback from other users,” explains Clément.
“We ride several times a week in Lille; we call it the
‘Tour du Midi.’ My mission is to break Séb [Sébastien His dream? “I want to work on the garments in
Alonso, bicycle product engineer] in the sprint. I collaboration with a real pro cycling team, to develop
sometimes win.” the outfits with them... and, hopefully, see them win
photo : Alexandre Chenivesse photo : Gus Sev With a master’s in engineering and physical activity the best races,” says Clément.
42 43CycloSport | en shoot
S
erge, 54, works at the Decathlon
workshop in St Etienne Les Villards.
When Damien contacted him with the
idea of participating in a photoshoot in
the Pyrenees, he didn’t think twice. Those crucial
SERGE : few days in the Pyrenees will make for good
training towards Serge’s current goal: doing the
Tour of Mont Blanc.
MISSION
A huge cyclist, Serge rides year-round with his
club and he loves long distances. “That’s where
I’m at my best,” he says mischievously. On this
photoshoot, Serge was able to test for himself
MONT BLANC the comfort and the braking performance of the
AFGF 500 on the slopes of the Col du Soulor.
Equipped with the 500 RoadRacing outfit kit,
Serge was in total control. “I’m not looking to
go fast, but I am looking to go farther; that’s my
philosophy,” he says assuredly.
So, what happened with his challenge? Well,
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
Serge did indeed do the Tour of Mont Blanc back
in July. Some key numbers: 330 km, altitudes
of 8000 m, 15h 19m, cycling through France,
Switzerland, Italy and arriving back in France.
His passion continues, with Serge aiming at the
Tour des Stations in Switzerland - 220 km and
44 altitudes of 7000 m... 45CycloSport | avec les pros
PROS OR AMATEURS,
THE SAME HIGH EXPECTATIONS.
This spring, the cold of winter has yet to leave the north of France. Having
arrived the day before in Lille after participating in the Grand Prix de
Denain, Nans Peters is at the B’TWIN Village offices at 9 a.m. sharp to
spend the day with the B’TWIN road teams. On the agenda: debriefing
Nans’s recent road-testing, which took place at the beginning of the year
in the Australian heat, as well as his road-testing the previous afternoon
on the cobblestones of the famous Paris-Roubaix cycling route.
If there’s one cycling accessory that’s difficult to manufacture, it’s the shoes.
The development process of B’TWIN shoes involves a very long design and
engineering phase before their actual manufacturing can be launched.
For several years now, Eric Bastin (footwear product manager) and his team
have worked with several technical partners. First up was Jean Christophe
Péraud when he was still a pro cyclist; today, Eric works with Nans Peters,
pro cyclist for AG2R LA MONDIALE, and Antoine Raugel, France’s Junior
Champion of 2017.
“When it comes to designing a pair of shoes for either professional or amateur
racers, for us it involves the same requirements,” says Eric. “Except that
professional racers will cover a lot more distance in a shorter time than an
amateur.”
The development of the RCR shoe began in 2015. It took almost three years
of development before the teams arrived at a marketable product.
“I’ve always been drawn to this type of product, which merges complexity and
design,” says Nans, who has worked with us since his junior years with the brand
- first on the bikes and soon after on the shoes. “Since the CPR project launched,
I must be on my tenth pair of test shoes.”
“The appeal of working with racers such as Nans Peters is that, first of
all from a safety point of view, he can give us valuable feedback on the
whole upper/footbed fit/sole ensemble. Specifically, we know with him
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
that the bonding of the components will last, in all weather conditions and
temperatures. A pro racer who covers thousands of kilometres every year
is a great test case! They also tend to be more demanding than an amateur,
because it’s such a key piece of their kit.”
Article : Alexandre Chenivesse
46 Photo report: Damien Lecarpentier / Pascal Giroire 47CycloSport | avec les pros
This morning, it’s time for debriefing session on
the latest RCR version Nans has tested. He tells
us about his start to the season at Australia’s
Tour Down Under: “It was so hot! I removed
this part of the shoe to increase the air flow and
ventilation.” Pierre and Romain, who work with
Eric on the shoe project, take notes and carefully
study the shoe in question.
“For me, carefully choosing my product testers is
important. Especially if I consider the profiles of
people like Nans or JC—they’re demanding, they
studied engineering, and so on. Their attitude is
also very important. These guys share Decathlon’s
values; they are down to earth, approachable and
available, despite their jam-packed calendar,” says
Eric.
“When we started developing this shoe, we started
with nothing, a real blank slate. We listened to
customers’ opinions, then we wrote down the
specifications. We wanted a truly breathable
shoe, with a full carbon fibre sole as customers
requested,” explains Eric.
“We tested different shoes on the market to check
out their stiffness and compare it to our new sole, «WE’RE
ALREADY
made in Italy (instead of being made in Asia like
the competition’s). Now we have one of the stiffest
soles on the market, with evidence to support it.
WORKING
Then we worked the inner sole - called insock. It’s a
dual-density insole offering stability and comfort.”
ON THE NEXT
Other improvements include the closure system
(“requested by JC Péraud”), which provides
better support in traction and thrust, as well as
ROAD SHOES
key changes to the shoestrings.
Finally, the interior is made of water-repellent
synthetic leather. “Something our customers have
WITH NANS»
been asking for for ages!”
Finally, the heel cup has been reworked. It
now has two side cushions to provide lateral
heel support. At the other end, a frontal rubber
injection offers adhesion and protection, as the
front of the shoe usually gets damaged when
walking
“Together with Nans, we’re already working on
our future models. We’re going to rework the RCR
to offer a ‘honeycomb’ mesh version to address
extreme-heat cycling. They should come to €150.
Nans is already testing them on the Vuelta,”
cycling shoes RCR concluded Eric Bastin.
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
Price : 130 euros
Available in 3 colours:
chrome / black & white / blue & pink
Launch: October 2018
48 49CycloSport |
OUR SPORT CYCLING
SELECTION
900 OUTFIT
900 Jacket - Suggested price : 99€ - réf 8403022
900 bib tights with suspenders - Suggested price : 90€ - réf 8500830
The 900 outfit is one of Decathlon’s ‘Best Products.’
Featuring a removable balaclava, the jacket has been
designed in partnership with Team B’TWIN | AG2R LA
MONDIALE U19.
“The technical components of this jacket will protect you
from the cold and light rain, while the removable balaclava
and plastron provide a second layer of protection in very low
temperatures,” says Clément, garment product engineer.
Finally, the long bib tights offer perfect protection during
rainy outings thanks to their front membrane.
HOME TRAINER TACX B’TWIN 500 CYCLING METER
FLUX SMART Suggested price: €25 - rating 4.3/5*- réf 8382192
Suggested price: 500€ - réf 8534451
Our design teams were challenged to come up with a
The Tacx is an online exclusive home trainer sold by simple, effective and functional bike meter. “The idea was to
Decathlon. “The big trend now is to have a home trainer have a meter that could be installed in seconds on the bike,
for consistent activity, but also to share results of sessions and then hit the road right away,” says Tom, «performance
online and via connected apps,” explains Guillaume, head measurement” product engineer.
of Home Trainer products. Discreet and very easy to install (a sensor without magnet
The TACX FLUX combines the incentive of interactivity that mounts on the hub of the wheel), the B’TWIN 500
with the comfort of an integrated drive. In short, you get bike meter features eight basic functions with wireless
the real feeling of the road in your living room! With its transmission of up to 3 m for mounting on rear wheel.
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
direct drive, simply hook up your bicycle and experience Functions: Instant/AVG/max speed, trip/overall distance,
the realistic variations of a given road outing or specific time, stopwatch, temperature.
training mode. What’s more, it connects seamlessly with
Average rating from 26 reviews as of August 28, 2018
apps such as Zwift.
50 51CycloSport | partenaire
ENTER
LA RONDE
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
We join the B’TWIN - AG2R LA MONDIALE U19 junior riders for the Tour of Flanders Juniors,
known in Belgium as “La Ronde”.
Article : Alexandre Chenivesse - Photo Report: Gus Sev
52 53CycloSport | partenaire
THE TOUR OF FLANDERS,
A ONE-OF-A-KIND
RACE FOR A JUNIOR
On this last day of March, it’s not very hot - jersey.
barely 6°C, in fact. Nine safety pins on each bib. “That way
they won’t budge,” explains the Junior
The frame plates are in place as well 2, who recently finished in the Top 20 in
as the transponders, used to record the Gent-Wevelgem.
competitor’s time and place at the finish 8 p.m. Everyone gathers round the table.
of the race. The staff take stock of what remains to
Inside the team’s rental lodge, Pierre Henri be done. They check the weather one
Lecuisinier, assistant to the team, former more time. It seems there might be less
professional racer and World Junior rain than expected... “We’ll stick to the
Champion in 2011, prepares the snacks tyres. Tomorrow morning we’ll do a final
and the water bottles for the race. The pressure adjustment,” says David Giraud
water bottles have to be tightly closed so while checking the evening weather
they won’t pop open during the race on the report. David shares some of the info from
cobblestones. the directors’ meeting, held on Saturday
afternoon.
The atmosphere is relaxed. Valentin
Retailleau pins his two numbers to his
For the last 10 years, B’TWIN has been On the menu: mountains and cobblestones, and not
a partner of the U19 project, a top-level just any kind. The Muur van Geraardsbergen ascent,
training institution for young racers twice. The Bosberg also twice, which is linked with
between the ages of 16 and 18. Working the Geraardsbergen. Early in the race, the quintet will
together with them, B’TWIN designs and also take on the cobblestones of Paddestraat in the
develops the future product offer. Zottegem district.
“When I heard the team was headed for the Tour of
The Tour of Flanders Juniors is held on Flanders, I immediately signed up for it,” says Hugo
the same day as the pro edition. Here is a PAGE. The recent winner of the Bernaudeau Junior,
behind-the-scenes look at this race where a French UCI race, Hugo is a huge fan of the Flemish
the B’TWIN | AG2R LA MONDIALE U19 took courses. The week before, he got a taste of the Gent-
its start. Wevelgem as part of the Junior Nations’ Cup (French
team).
The weather isn’t looking good. On this eve of the race,
Saturday, 31 March 2018, everyone is busy working It is still raining in Belgium.
towards tomorrow’s race. A race unlike any other—it’s At the end of this long Saturday afternoon, the racers
the Tour of Flanders. It may be the junior version, but it listen to the briefing by the Sportive Director, David
takes place the same day as the pro version. We won’t Giraud, while mechanic Antoine Petit washes the bikes
see it on the TV, but for the riders it’s already a cycling and gets them ready for tomorrow.
milestone.
“With rain all but guaranteed, we decided to use wheels
Having arrived here on Friday from across France, with tyres. We’ll have better braking action and the Power
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
our five juniors—Hugo Page, Hugo Toumire, both J1; Endurance tyres won’t slip on the cobblestones,” says
Valentin Retailleau, Maxime Jolly and Pierre-Emmanuel Antoine, as he finishes prepping the last bike under the
Dubois—surveyed a portion of the route by bike and spotlight of the workshop lorry.
another by car.
54 55CycloSport | partenaire
On a map, he sets the different checkpoints for the assistants to Maxime JOLLY did the best of the five, finishing in 35th place.
cover every key zone. Only 61 competitors manage to finish the race out of 176 starters.
It was a great experience even if the hoped-for result eluded the
“For this challenge tomorrow, we’ll have reinforcements to help us. team. Fast and furious on the start, and excessively so, they tried
We’ll have four assistants spread out through the course who’ll their best, but in vain. It’s important to learn to bide your time, to
have wheels and water bottles ready. And 2-way radios to provide play it cool, to keep things measured. Our two Junior 1’s have
information.” learned their lesson. They’ll be there again next year determined to
take down the “wall”.
Sunday morning, while still dark out, the workshop lorry leaves to
set up at the starting zone. The racers will arrive a little later. Start The race finished, David Giraud gathers his riders for a debriefing
at 9:00 a.m.—it’s early. while the mechanic and the assistant round up the bikes and gear
Spirited and taken by the race, our juniors are giving it a bit too in the lorry.
much at the outset. Valentin Retailleau takes off with the Norwegian
Daniel Arnes, who will go on to win the race. Valentin lets go at the End of the day, it’s time to head back to the lodge, take a nice hot
Muur van Geraardsbergen. shower and enjoy a well-deserved dinner all together. The return is
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
Behind, Hugo Toumire, who’s taken off too early, passes the “wall” scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, after a morning survey of the
alone under the cheers of the public (photo pages 52/53) who are Paris-Roubaix Junior.
already in place for the pros. The fine rain continues to fall.
This tough “wall” will set many of the riders in the peloton on foot. The riders have covered a lot of distance on their bikes... and
Not our juniors, though, who make climbing it on their bikes a point on motor transport. “They are learning what the life of an elite,
of honour. Too hasty at the start, our riders eventually pay the price professional cyclist is like,” concludes Pierre-Henri Lecuisinier.
56 of such early efforts. 57CycloSport
CycloSport || témoignages
Textes : Alexandre Chenivesse - photos : Gus Sev - Damien Lecarpentier
#WEARECYCLISTS
THE B’TWIN 900 IN THE NEXT
HELMET SAVED ME ISSUE OF
The use of a helmet has become mandatory
for children under 12. But it also saves the lives
“Our helmets are tested for impact resistance
from all directions, because no two falls are alike.
JANUARY
of many athletes every year. Valentin Paret-
Painter, 16, a young top-level rider member of
the Annemasse Bicycle Club and of the B’TWIN
We try to anticipate every possible fall our athletes
might suffer. Thus, our helmets are tested on
more points of impacts than those required by
2019
| AG2R LA MONDIALE U19, knows what he’s the EN1078 standard. In addition our internal pass See you in January 2019 for the second
talking about. thresholds are more rigorous. issue of #WeAreCyclists, with a special
To certify a bicycle helmet we have to respond to issue devoted to the launch of the new
A France team racer during the Nations’ Cup, mechanical tests such as tests simulating a curb CycloSport hallmark!
Valentin suffered a bad fall in one of the passes or a flat-ground blow, a strap-tear test or a loose-
in Switzerland. helmet test.” We’ll tell you all about the changes and
Seeing the state of his helmet after the fall, we new features coming in 2019.
can imagine how hard the accident must have We have developed in-house methods for
been. The helmet was completely deformed on computerised impact tests, which have allowed In the meantime, have a good winter
#wearecyclists
#wearecyclists
the outside, but the inside stood the blow well. us to refine our helmets in such a way as to on the roads... and lots of fun!
“At B’TWIN we subject our helmets to extreme offer our cycling enthusiasts the best all-around
mechanical-resistance tests,” says Benjamin product balance (design, ventilation, weight).
Delerue, helmet product engineer.
58 59der de couv
#wearecyclists
#WEARECYCLISTS
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