Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale is a 'new' brigade in the WorldTour for 2024. The team, led by Vincent Lavenu, was known as AG2R Citroën Team from 2021 to 2023, but will be renamed due to the entry of the international sports chain. And a new team means a new bike, as the saying goes. In the case of the French team, which will be riding on Van Rysel bikes, the expectations are already quite high...
The new bike is named Van Rysel RCR Force AXS and it has been tested over the past few months by several key members of the team. A few weeks ago, following the team presentation in Lille, this website spoke with a number of key figures within the team. They were unanimously enthusiastic about the new bike, including Oliver Naesen. "The bike is really something different from what we are used to. I have tested the bike several times during the season. From that, I concluded that it was really good. When we heard that we were going to ride Van Rysel bikes, many guys on the team were initially taken aback. However, when we went to test them, we were truly astounded," says the 33-year-old Flemish rider.
"It's always a risk, especially since it's still a prototype. But if the bike stays as it was during those tests, it promises to be very good: super light, extremely responsive, and beautiful," Naesen concludes his praise. Ben O'Connor was also given the opportunity to test the race bike, and he too had nothing but praise. "It indeed is a top bike. It's exactly as it should be. Van Rysel is a big company with ample resources. So, I have a lot of confidence, especially after having the chance to test it a few times."
New team member Victor Lafay also briefly but powerfully commented on the RCR Force AXS. As you might guess, the Frenchman's words were positive. "Decathlon is becoming the new main sponsor, and I suspect we will notice that. Firstly, with the new Van Rysel bike, in which I have a lot of confidence." And what about fellow new recruit Sam Bennett? "I was really excited about the new bike project and where they are headed. Everything just feels right," says the amiable Irishman.
Finally, we'd also like to share a review from 'the outside.' Bike connoisseur Leon van Bon, on behalf of the cycling magazine Fiets, had the chance to give it a go and shared his judgment with the readers. "When you think of Decathlon, you think of solid and affordable. But the French retail chain is now aiming for more than just solid and with the bikes from their house brand Van Rysel, they are moving towards high end. Still relatively inexpensive, as it's Decathlon," he begins. "The Van Rysel RCR Force AXS Black stands before me. My first thought? This is no half measure, it looks very good," he then describes the color scheme.
"It feels tight, not too nervous. It could even have been a bit more nervous, is my first thought. But it definitely feels like a high-end racer," the 51-year-old Dutchman then delves into more details. "When I swing by the bike shop for a tire with an extra-long valve, even the mechanic is impressed. The bike performs very well. It steers nicely, feels familiar and stable. It's always a great feeling to accelerate with such wheels. Add to that the typical sound of high carbon rims, and you have a delightful experience. The frame also feels good. I actually didn't have any negative experiences. Okay, the Force groupset feels a bit slow when shifting, but then I'm really nitpicking. I actually wasn't annoyed at any point. This is exactly what I want from a bike."