Fresh off a tour of the Pacific Northwest, Lars van der Haar arrived at CrossVegas, the first-ever World Cup held on American soil, representing Giant-Alpecin and ready to start his cross season with a bang. He and his Giant TCX Advanced fell just shy of the podium, ending up in 4th place on the day. Of course, he was not the only rider to take the TCX model to Europe, with Adam Craig also arriving to CrossVegas and showing his skills in a course preview.
Lars van der Haar is all business before CrossVegas 2015. He would go on to finish in 4th place in the first World Cup on American soil. © Cyclocross Magazine
Van der Haar has never been one to eschew new technology available for cyclocross bikes, as he was the first racer to ride a disc brake-equipped bike to World Cup victory. In this pro bike profile we’ll take a look at how van der Haar’s Giant TCX Advanced stays up-to-date with the latest in cyclocross technology, all while utilizing a few timeless cyclocross components.
Van der Haar’s TCX Advanced frame is built with Giant’s advanced-grade composite material. The build kit features Shimano Dura Ace 9070 Di2 with RS-785 hydraulic disc brakes to provide the stopping power and 140mm RT-99 centerlock rotors front and rear. The Pioneer power meter is built into a Shimano Dura Ace FC-9000 crankset using 48/39 chainrings. An Elite Pase Carbon bottle cage, mounted on the seat tube, takes care of van der Haar’s hydration needs, which were at the front of many racer's minds in CrossVegas’ dry and hot desert climate.
Shimano’s own PRO components provide the Vibe7s handlebar and stem. PRO and Shimano also handle the contact points, keeping van der Haar comfortable on a PRO Turnix saddle and clipped-in to Shimano XTR pedals.
Van der Haar’s wheels have a similar profile to Shimano’s C35 carbon tubular rim, but are devoid of any identifying markings or branding besides a Shimano sticker per side. The hubs feature a front 15mm through axle and standard 135mm quick release. The wheels are equipped with classic Dugast Typhoon tires, 33mm in width.
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Use the slider below for more photos and full specs of Lars van der Haar’s Giant TCX Advanced.
A Shimano RT-99 centerlock rotor and 15mm through axle keep things in order up front. © Cyclocross Magazine
