Kasper Asgreen with a Specialized S-Works Aethos on the mountain stages of the Tour de France

Kasper Asgreen, the latest winner of the Tour of Flanders, is a technology enthusiast. For the mountain stages of the Tour de France, he chose to use the Specialized S-Works Aethos, instead of his usual Tarmac S-Works SL7. 

Source: Press Release – photos: @cauldphoto

The Tarmac SL7 is the most victorious bike in Grand Tours since its launch. It already has three stage victories in the 2021 Tour de France to its credit. For the sprinters and rouleurs of the peloton, mountain stages are more a matter of survival than victory. Their goal is to get through them as fresh as possible and within the time limit. With this in mind, Kasper Asgreen chose the S-Works Aethos for the mountain stages of the 2021 Tour de France.

=> SEE ALSO: Specialized S-Works Aethos Review

The Aethos was developed as the ultimate bike for cyclists who prioritize handling and the lightest possible weight, rather than optimal aerodynamics and power transfer. With a 585-gram frame, the Aethos not only offers comfort but also allows for strategic component choices while staying within the UCI’s imposed weight limit.

=> SEE ALSO: First Ride Review of the New Specialized Tarmac SL7

Kasper Asgreen chose to equip the Aethos with Roval Rapide CLX wheels, the same wheels he used to win the Tour of Flanders. His Aethos thus reaches the UCI minimum of 6.8 kg (complete, with Shimano Dura-Ace pedals, two bottle cages, a bike computer and its mount). Prioritizing a steady pace in the mountains, the rider does not need the optimal lightness and responsiveness of Roval Alpinist CLX wheels. He chose the Roval Rapide wheels for the aerodynamic advantage on the flats and descents.

=> SEE ALSO: Long-term Test of Roval Rapide CLX Wheels

“Kasper equipped his S-Works Aethos so that its drivetrain is similar to that of his Tarmac SL7. While the remaining components contribute to weight reduction, their main advantage is the additional assurance that they will reduce overall fatigue experienced during longer stages with more difficult terrain,” according to Cameron Piper, Specialized Product Manager for Tarmac SL7 and Aethos.