In a partnership with DT-Swiss and Ridley, Belgian pro cyclist, Victor Campenaerts has chosen Classified’s drivetrain technology in pursuit of efficiency and performance gains.
Campenaerts has been thoroughly testing the Classified Powershift hub for more than a year in training. Taking the single chainring and rear hub shifting technology into a race environment, Campenaerts rode with Powershift hub at GP Le Samyn on February 28, 2023.
During the race he made it into the decisive break away, driving the pace with some big attacks and setting up his Lotto DSTNY team mate Milan Menten for the race win.
Campenaerts, already known for trying larger chainring sizes, could up his big-ring-endeavour using the single chainring-setup the Classified system exploits. Not limited by a front derailleur, the Belgian raced Omloop Het Nieuwsblad with the use of a 62-tooth single chainring, not seen before at the Classics.
Campenaerts said “I am riding Classified because it is by far the most efficient and fastest set up for the bike. It allows me to ditch the front derailleur, shift gears under full load and run a bigger chainring. Bigger is better!”
Campenaerts adds a wealth of World Tour level experience to testing the Classified Powershift technology, helping the Belgian brand to further develop its product and confirm its place in the pro peloton.
Classified CEO Mathias Plouvier said “Working with an efficiency and performance driven athlete like Victor is a dream for a technology company like Classified.
“Having Victor’s unparalleled insight and straightforward feedback going into our technology is a great opportunity for us. Victor is the driving force behind this project, and we are thrilled to be able to work closely with him as well as DT-Swiss and Ridley.”
Classified CTO and inventor of the Powershift hub, Roëll van Druten added “We at Classified have long believed that the traditional 2x drivetrain system, i.e. 2 chainrings and a front derailleur, is not efficient enough.
“Victor Campenaerts’ use of the Classified system at a major UCI race proves our claims, that a larger single chainring used with larger sprockets in the rear, with the ultimate gear range of the Powershift hub, is the most efficient drivetrain system in the world.
“Removing the front derailleur really is the first step. Without a front derailleur it is possible to use bigger chainrings, gain aero efficiency and reduce forces through the chain and bearings.”
