Jean-Philippe and his Cannondale Slice

Man and his machine are often one. Love at first sight or financial constraint, standard bike or mytage à la carte, each runner, each triathlete has very personal reasons for choosing one bike or another. In this section, we give you the opportunity to explain to us the reasons for your choice and what you appreciate once you are on your bike. Today, we meet Jean-Philippe Pressouyre, 35 years old, owner of a Cannondale Slice that allowed him to achieve his goals over the Ironman 70.3 distance.

Basketball player, handball player, volleyball player… In his youth, Jean-Philippe tried his hand at many disciplines, with a more pronounced attraction to ball sports. However, his bike was never far away as a means of transport or totagand a few more or less sporty rides with friends, like the day he set off, at the age of 16, to conquer the Puy-Mary (Cantal, 1 m) on his mountain bike. Finally, the bug for the little queen bit him a few years later, as did the bug for triathlon.

«In 2013, I took part in my first Ironman 70.3 in Vichy (03) with my first racing bike: a Specialized Allez Comp Triple, on which I had added Reynolds Solitude 35 mm extensions and wheels. The very next day, I knew that I would line up again, with the aim of doing better, having very modestly completed the 93 km in 3h09, or an average of 29,5 km/h. So I looked for an affordable and efficient time trial bike.

A small chainring and Mavics

After several comparative studies and specialist opinions, I opted for the Cannondale Slice Ultegra 2014. Sober in black and white, well equipped with Shimano Ultegra, rigid without being a piece of wood, I had found my new companion route ! First modification upon purchase: changing the small chainring from 38 to 36 teeth. With an 11-28 cassette, this transmission allowed me to go everywhere. As for the wheels, I seized a great opportunity for Mavic Cosmic Exalith SLR. Result: my Slice has become even more beautiful than it was, but above all more efficient.

New sensations

Comfortable for a time trial, it remains rigid when you want to push it a bit. It allowed me to discover new sensations: maintaining a speed above 35 km/h for several kilometers on the flat without forcing too much, well-positioned on the extensions. Impressive and very pleasant! On the other hand, I struggled during long climbs. But I think that is more linked to the fact that I am not a born climber. Because although rigid, this Slice is rathertolerant and far from being a big piece of wood that forgives nothing. On the descent, the holding of route is perfect, like on a rail, whether on the extensions, when possible, or on the handlebars. The braking is efficient, nothing to complain about.

A hell of a foot

For more comfort, I installed the ISM Adamo Prologue saddle, the Fizik Arione Tri2 put too much pressure on me on rides lasting several hours. What surprised me is that it is not possible to mount a 25 mm tire on the rear: the latter rubs against the front derailleur cable which goes up under the bottom bracket towards the derailleur. That said, it is not unduly penalizing, and undoubtedly linked to its vintage: in 2014, we were not yet talking about widening the tire section.

I am really very happy to have invested in my "Cannon". I really enjoy riding it. And to tell you the truth, my initial objective was met: I took part in the Ironman 70.3 Vichy in 2014 with a cycling time improved by a quarter of an hour (93 km in 2h53'30 for an average of 32,1 km/h). Then the Holy Grail with a real cannon time (for me) in 2017, again in Vichy but on a reverse course: the 90,5 km in 2h42'30 or an average of 33,5 km/h. That day, I had a hell of a time!