Transcontinental 2016: Kristof Allegaert's Jaegher Interceptor

Kristof Allegaert has built up a huge lead in the Transcontinental Cycle Race, and here’s the bike he’s riding.

The double race winner is riding a Jaegher Interceptor, Jaegher being a manufacturer from his native Belgium. 

The Interceptor is made from a Columbus Spirit steel tubeset that contains manganese, chrome, nickel, molybdenum and niobium. The idea is that this blend and a heat treatment provide high strength which allows Columbus to draw the tubes down to thinner wall thicknesses than ever before – as little as 0.38mm. 

According to Jaegher, the Interceptor is its best compromise between performance and comfort.

“TIG welded oversized tubes in featherlight Columbus Spirit steel provide maximum dynamic efficiency,” says Jaegher. “The frame absorbs shocks like only steel can. [It is] the ultimate choice… where lightweight, stiffness and reliability are essential.” 

We told you last week that the 2015 Transcontinental winner Josh Ibbett, who has been forced to pull out of this year’s race with an injury, uses a Shimano Di2 electronic groupset for ease of shifting, but Kristof runs a Campagnolo Record mechanical system. That means there’s no danger of a flat battery and no need to take any equipment for recharging.

Belgian company SWS provides the handbuilt custom wheels with aluminium rims, and the clincher tyres are Continental Grand Prix 4000s which feature a Vectran breaker under the tread to help avoid punctures. 

Like most Transcontinental riders, Kristof has clip-on tri bars attached to his drop handlebar. Not only do the carbon extensions from Ritchey provide a more aero option, they make things a little easier on the body after a long time in the saddle.

Speaking of the saddle, this one comes from Selle Italia. It’s a lightweight SLR with titanium rails. 

In common with the other top contenders, Kristof tends to stop only for short sleeps during a race like the Transcontinental so lighting is very important. He uses a system from Supernova. That’s an E3 Pro 2 dynamo light that offers 205 lumens and weights just 110g.

Apidura provides the Road Frame Pack and a Top Tube Pack. The bar bag and seat pack don’t look like they’re from Apidura, though [update: the bar bag is from Decathlon].

Sportful provides Kristof’s clothing, his shoes come from Gaerne, and his helmet and glasses are Lazer.