Así es el equipo Decathlon Ford para 2025… y su bicicleta, la Rockrider 940S | MTB ProIn a bold move set to reshape the landscape of cross-country (XC) racing, Van Rysel, Decathlon’s performance cycling brand, has unveiled the RCR-XC—a full-suspension mountain bike equipped with 32-inch wheels. This innovative design is poised to make its competitive debut with the Decathlon Ford team in the 2027 World Cup season. (bikeradar.com)
A Strategic Shift in XC Racing
Departing from the traditional 29-inch wheel standard, Van Rysel’s RCR-XC embraces the emerging 32-inch wheel size, a trend gaining traction in professional XC circuits. This strategic decision is underpinned by extensive data analysis from the Paris 2024 Olympics, focusing on speed, power, and time metrics to enhance performance. (velomotion.net)
Technical Innovations and Design Philosophy
The RCR-XC’s design philosophy centers on optimizing the rider’s experience across various race scenarios. By analyzing race data, Van Rysel identified key areas where performance gains could be achieved, leading to the adoption of larger wheels for improved rollover capabilities and maintaining higher speeds on technical terrains. The carbon frame is engineered to be 230 grams lighter than the previous 29-inch model used by the Decathlon Ford team, ensuring that every watt of power translates efficiently into forward motion. (singletracks.com)
Aerodynamic Enhancements
Aerodynamics play a pivotal role in the RCR-XC’s design. Through wind tunnel testing, the bike has been optimized to reduce air resistance, offering a 15.5-watt advantage at a speed of 35 km/h compared to the team’s 2026 model. This enhancement is particularly beneficial during high-speed sections of XC races, where aerodynamic efficiency is crucial. (road.cc)
Partnership with Decathlon Ford
The RCR-XC’s competitive debut is set for the 2027 World Cup season, with the Decathlon Ford team as its official partner. The team will be equipped with the RCR-XC, marking a significant collaboration between Van Rysel and Decathlon Ford. Notably, riders such as Luca Martin, the 2026 XCO and XCC World Cup overall champion, are expected to race on the RCR-XC, bringing a wealth of experience and competitive edge to the team. (singletracks.com)
Looking Ahead
The introduction of the Van Rysel RCR-XC signifies a bold step into the mountain biking arena, combining innovative design, data-driven development, and strategic partnerships. As the 2027 World Cup season approaches, all eyes will be on the RCR-XC to see if it can deliver on its promise of enhanced performance and redefine the standards of XC racing.