So the 2009 TdF just wrapped, & wow, we’re overwhelmed with the success of SRAM technology after such a short and intense time in the pro ranks. There’s much unheralded behind-the-scenes detail, hard work, focus and forethought that goes into something like winning the TdF for staff & athletes alike. Of course, for us it also means special and timely day-to-day support that originates in Chicago & Waterloo, months earlier. As we approached Paris this year it also meant producing a few final special items to help cap these winners’ odyssey in ceremony and style.

In recent years TdF winners have rolled onto the ‘Champs with ever more thematic equipment to celebrate their winning journey on the final day in Paris. This being the year of Lance’s comeback and of his Stages project, that style bar raised higher than ever. Of course Lance’s, super special, Damien Hirst designed Trek isn’t the only one of a kind machine destined for the Champs. Alberto, adding to his already fantastic stable of custom Madones – led by the pink Giro & Gold Vuelta winner bikes & matching color coded SRAM Red groupsets – received a fitting third grand Tour machine decked in all the right yellow bits for today’s parade.

Both bikes were of course expertly assembled by each athletes respective team mechanic: Chris Van Roosbroek for Lance, & Faustino Munoz for AC.

We were on hand to help prep & record the work. Enjoy. More images to come…