Shimano bikes at the Vuelta?

[King Boonen]

Who are they for? Anyone who needs a spare? They were following the break and I noticed they had a range of set ups, pedals etc.

Can anyone shed some light on this?

 

[Jspear]

It was most likely a neutral service car. Their job is to provide bikes, wheels, ect. at times when the team car isn't able to. I don't often see riders using the bikes they provide, but I think it is more common for the riders to use the wheels they provide.

 

[oldcrank]

Yes, they are providing neutral service at the Vuelta.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBtKZIFFLqA
Shimano has provided neutral service at the TDU as well
(and lots of other races).

 

[Jspear]

Yes, they are providing neutral service at the Vuelta.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBtKZIFFLqA
Shimano has provided neutral service at the TDU as well
(and lots of other races).

Thanks for the link. Here is another one from their channel...showing them in action. Very cool to watch imo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2XWtbNtNao&list=UU59yKnPGlOmpy4YQtv8dH-Q

 

[King Boonen]

Cheers guys, I assumed it was neutral service but with the the range of pedals in use in the peloton I wondered if the bikes were assigned to particular people or teams.