In October 2023, cyclist Remco Evenepoel collaborated with Specialized to develop an ultra-lightweight shoe suitable for the long climbs of the 2024 Tour de France. The result is the S-Works Torch Remco, a cycling shoe weighing 148,2g, the lightest in the professional peloton, 3g lighter than its nearest competitor in size 41.
Developed over eight months with the Specialized team, this shoe was designed in partnership with Evenepoel, who testThere were three prototypes. The final model, used in five stages of mytagThe 2024 Tour de France winners, who secured a podium place and the white jersey for his first Tour, have been awarded the title.
Design and innovations
The Remco S-Works Torch is distinguished by an optimized construction:
- Simplified upper: A single layer of mesh and TPU, combined with a Boa Li2 tightening system with a wide strap, reduces weight by 39,81 g while ensuring a precise fit.
- Lightweight sole: A reduced carbon plate and injected nylon heel counter save 14g, while maintaining sufficient stiffness for efficient power transfer.
- Low-profile heel counter: Made of injected nylon, it provides lateral and medial support, saving 65,1g compared to the standard S-Works Torch.
Based on Body Geometry technology and a new Body Geometry Last, the shoe reduces forefoot pressure by 44% thanks to a design adapted to the natural shape of the foot, derived from more than 100 RETÜL 000D scans. This ensures a balance of comfort, stability, and performance, even during intense efforts.
Research and Development
The project draws on six years of research by Specialized's human performance team, particularly on sole stiffness. These studies helped identify an optimal level of stiffness, reducing unnecessary material without compromising efficiency. tests with elite cyclists, including 2-watt sprinters, validated the sole design.
Price: € 599
Contact : specialized.com
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