Tom Pidcock made the launch of the Pinarello Crossista F cyclocross bike an occasion to remember by storming to World Championship glory in the men's elite race.
The Ineos Grenadier has ridden Pinarello's new bike through a successful cyclocross racing season, securing two World Cup wins and a string of podiums, and capped the campaign by standing on the top step of the podium in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Pinarello officially unveiled the Crossista – the Italian firm's first CX bike in 30 years – on the eve of the 2022 UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championships.
Zoe Backstedt got Great Britain's campaign off to a flyer by romping home in the junior women's race, 30 seconds clear of the field. Nathan Smith then came third in the junior men's.
Here's a closer look at the bike that made Pidcock the first Briton to win an elite UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championship title.
Trademark Pinarello tubes
The Crossista F's wavy tubes, aero front-end and internal cable routing bear a striking resemblance to the Dogma F, Team Ineos Grenadiers' road bike. Its weight is also similar – Pinarello claims Pidcock's bike is just 7.4kg.
1x gearing is now commonplace in cyclocross racing but, with Pidcock's team sponsored by Shimano, the 22-year-old rode a 2x Dura-Ace groupset.
Pidcock had ridden a 1x SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset on a previous-generation Specialized Crux to win the muddy British CX nationals in 2020, before he stepped up to the WorldTour with Ineos.
Design collaboration
Pinarello says it worked closely with Pidcock to perfect the design of the Crossista F.
Pidcock apparently requested water drainage holes in the frame, which weren't needed in dusty Arkansas, while a video released by the brand shows the Briton suggesting changes to the Crossista prototype, including alterations to the bottom bracket to improve handling.
The frame also features a recessed top tube shape to make the bike easier to shoulder and Pidcock put this to good use in Arkansas, scaling the stairs on the course in double-quick time. Tweaks to the front triangle also made the final Crossista easier to lift and carry.
Other details on the build include a one-piece cockpit from Pinarello's in-house componentry brand, Most, and what look to be fast-rolling 33mm Challenge Grifo Ultra tyres.
The favourite delivers
Pidcock was the favourite in Arkansas in the absence of multiple CX world-title holders Mathieu Van der Poel and Wout Van Aert.
The Brit broke away over the climb on the fourth of nine laps of a speedy course (Pidcock racked up 29km in an hour's racing).
Using different cyclocross skills to those required on the European winter circuit, where thick mud is name of the game, the Olympic mountain bike gold medalist stretched his lead to 22 seconds with a rapid descent.
Despite a dogged pursuit by Eli Iserbyt and Lars Van der Haar, Pidcock had time on the home straight to high-five spectators before crossing the line with a Superman salute.
Pinarello has said you'll be able to buy a Crossista of your own in Pidcock's GB colours, as well as two other paint options, in late 2022 without confirming prices or specs.
