At the 2026 Internacionales Chelva XCO in Spain, Anne Terpstra secured a commanding victory aboard a prototype of the forthcoming Lapierre XR, marking a significant milestone for the Lapierre PXR Racing team. (pinkbike.com)
Lapierre PXR Racing Team
The Lapierre PXR Racing team, established in 2026, is a formidable force in the cross-country circuit. Comprising elite athletes such as Anne Terpstra, Nicole Koller, Caroline Bohé, Anton Cooper, and Tobias Lillelund, the team represents a diverse international roster, including the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, and New Zealand. Their unified ambition is to compete at the highest level, emphasizing speed, intelligence, and victory. (lapierrebikes.com)
Prototype Lapierre XR
The prototype Lapierre XR ridden by Terpstra features several notable design innovations:
-
Suspension System: The rear shock has been repositioned near the bottom bracket, adopting a vertical orientation. This design aims to optimize suspension kinematics, enhancing pedaling efficiency and reducing pedal kickback during compression. (bikerumor.com)
-
Frame Construction: Utilizing Lapierre’s new unidirectional Torayca carbon fibers, the frame achieves a lighter and more robust structure. This advanced construction method allows for reduced tube thicknesses where necessary, contributing to an overall weight reduction of approximately 393 grams compared to previous models. (lapierrebikes.com)
-
Geometry Adjustments: The prototype exhibits a slackened head angle of 67 degrees and a steeper seat tube angle of 75.5 degrees, aligning with contemporary cross-country bike geometries. These adjustments aim to provide improved stability and handling across diverse terrains. (bikeradar.com)
Specifications
While specific details of the prototype’s components remain undisclosed, the current Lapierre XR 5.9 model offers the following specifications:
-
Frame: Full carbon frame with 100 mm travel, compatible with Boost standards.
-
Fork: Fox 32 Rhythm 3 Position with 100 mm travel.
-
Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed groupset.
-
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm front and 160 mm rear rotors.
-
Wheels: Mavic XC 425 29-inch rims with tubeless compatibility.
-
Tires: Maxxis Rekon Race EXO TR 29×2.35.
-
Weight: Approximately 12.5 kg. (mantel.com)
Conclusion
Anne Terpstra’s victory aboard the prototype Lapierre XR underscores the bike’s competitive potential. With its innovative suspension design, advanced carbon construction, and refined geometry, the upcoming Lapierre XR is poised to make a significant impact in the cross-country racing scene.
For a visual overview of the Lapierre XR 2022 model’s technical details and geometry, you may find the following video informative:
Lapierre XR 2022: Technical Details and Geometry