Before the start of the Vuelta, Cannondale gave Madis Mihkels a new blue-black-and-white LAB71 SuperSix EVO bike to match the colors of his Estonian national champion's jersey.
Madis was crowned the Estonian road race champion in June and will start the Vuelta on his new race bike during Stage 1 in Turin. "Riding in the Estonian champion's jersey is incredibly cool," says Madis. "It's a truly beautiful jersey and a beautiful bike. I love the design and I feel proud to wear my national colors."
Underneath the paint, Madis's bike is the same ultralight and aerodynamic machine he used to win the Estonian championships and achieve excellent results, including third place at this year's Brugge–De Panne classic. The LAB71 SuperSix EVO is Cannondale's top-tier race bike, featuring carbon tubing engineered for maximum aerodynamics and precise handling.
Madis is targeting the sprint stages of the Vuelta, which means the bike must be fast, especially on the finishing straight. He has chosen Vision Metron 60 RS wheels for maximum aerodynamics on the fastest stages, while using Vision Metron 45 RS wheels in the mountains. Both handmade full-carbon Racing Series wheelsets are equipped with the new PRS hub system, featuring a helical clutch that ensures faster engagement and better power transfer.
Madis uses 30 mm Vittoria Corsa Pro tubeless tires, which offer maximum grip in corners and exceptionally low rolling resistance. Vittoria Air-Liner inserts provide extra protection and allow him to keep riding even with a flat tire until he has the opportunity to swap bikes.
This year's Vuelta covers 3,151 kilometers, traversing some of the toughest roads and climbs in modern cycling. For comfort, Madis trusts the Fizik Vento Argo R1 saddle. He wraps the carbon SystemBar R-One cockpit with Fizik Solocush tape for extra cushioning and better control. How many watts will his Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT screen show? We'll find out soon.
Madis Mihkels’ Cannondale LAB71 SuperSix EVO technical specifications
Frame: Cannondale LAB71 SuperSix EVO 56cm
Cockpit: Cannondale SystemBar R-One 140mm/380mm
Bar tape: Fizik Vento solocush
Groupset: Shimano DURA-ACE
Chainrings: FSA 56-40
Brakes: Shimano DURA-ACE
Cranks: 170mm FSA Powerbox K-Force Team-Edition
Cassette: Shimano DURA-ACE 11-34
Pedals: Wahoo SPEEDPLAY AERO
Wheelset: Vision Metron 45 RS / Metron 60 RS
Tires: 30mm Vittoria Corsa Pro
Head unit: Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 3
Saddle: Fizik Vento Argo R1
Valves: Muc-Off
