When the world of cycling meets the world of sailing
The rules for the 2024 America's Cup require competitors to use only human power to power the actuators that drive the sails. And what better way to meet this requirement than with the power of cyclists' legs? The Orient Express Racing Team has 8 cyclists in its Challenger team to make up the energy cell. These are top-level athletes from the worlds of rowing, crossfit and track cycling. They follow a drastic training programme. The training programme, imposed by the physical trainer, includes a lot of bike training.
Technical specifications of François Pervis' bike
Three-time world track speed champion and Cyclor for Team France Orient Express
‘I'm extremely proud to be joining the group of Cyclors destined to produce energy on board the AC75, the boat in the next America's Cup. I see several similarities between my background as a track cyclist, my world record on a streamlined recumbent bike and the AC75. It's all about speed, carbon, power, marginal gains, aerodynamics, pushing yourself and optimizing performance. Everything I love!’
Frame: Lejeune super light carbon
Fork: Lejeune carbon
Stem: Vinci 130mm
Handlebars : Vinci carbon 46cm
Handlebar: Deta Tape Nero Notte
Saddle: Italia SLR Boost
Brakes: Simano Dura-ace
Discs: 160 mm
Front Derailleur: Shimano Di2 Dura-ace double
Rear Derailer: Shimano Di2 Dura-ace 12 speed
Crankset: Dura-ace
Wheels: Mavic SL45
Tyres: Hutchinson Fusion 5 tubeless
Bottle cage: Zefal Pulse
About Orient Express Racing Team
Spearheaded by Stéphane Kandler and Bruno Dubois within the K-Challenge, the Orient Express Racing Team has brought together some exceptional talents around an ambitious French project for the 37th edition of the America's Cup. With preparation on a variety of boats and a strategy focused on excellence, the team is ready to make its mark on the history of sailing. While the Orient Express Racing Team will each be sailing on a variety of training boats, whether GC32s for the Challenger, ETF26s or 69Fs for the Women's and Youth teams, the only official boats for the 37th America's Cup will be AC40s and AC75s. 2023 was a busy year, dedicated both to fundraising and to building the three French teams and the entire team of 115 people.
