Marcel Kittel decides not to use disc brakes on Abu Dhabi Tour stage two
German sprinter rides a Specialized Venge with rim brakes on second stage
Marcel Kittel (Quick-Step Floors) will not use disc brakes on the second stage of the Abu Dhabi Tour after yesterday's controversial crash with Owain Doull (Team Sky), saying that he has made the decision out of respect for his fellow riders.
Doull and Kittel were two of a number of riders to come down in a crash in the final kilometre of the stage, with Doull's shoe and foot being cut. Speaking to journalists after the stage, Doull said that he was sure that the cuts had been caused by the disc brakes on Kittel's bike.
Watch: Abu Dhabi Tour stage one highlights
Despite considerable social media debate over whether Kittel's disc brakes were in fact the cause of the cuts (with footage of the crash appearing to show Doull crash close to the rusty leg of a race barrier while Kittel's bike seemed to bounce away in the other direction), the German sprinter has opted to play it safe on stage two, racing on his spare bike - a rim brake-equipped Specialized Venge ViAS.
Kittel's decision is in line with the words of rider union representative Adam Hansen, who said that if he was in Marcel Kittel's situation then he would choose not to use disc brakes, even if disc brakes are yet to be proved as the cause of Doull's injuries.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
Chinese X-Lab vies for global domination as it equips XDS Astana with bikes for the WorldTour
A new partnership sees Astana aboard new bikes with increased funding for 2025
By Joe Baker Published
-
Tech of the week: Van Rysel releases an aero bike (quelle surprise!) plus a superlight carbon crankset from FSA, a long top tube bag from Tailfin and tyre liners from Zefal
The RCR-F aero bike will be ridden by the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team in 2025, but will it create headlines like the RCR?
By Luke Friend Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers say they will work with British Cycling to get Tour of Britain back on ‘as quickly as possible’
Ben Swift and Owain Doull both say it would be a "shame" were the Tour of Britain to be no more
By Adam Becket Published
-
Men’s elite road race halted by protest at World Championships
Scottish environmental group This Is Rigged claim responsibility for the disruption
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Marcel Kittel: ‘I believe in Mark Cavendish'
The 14 time Tour de France stage winner backs Manxman to grab record breaking 35th stage win in the coming days
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tim Merlier doubles up in UAE Tour’s final sprint showdown on stage six
Soudal Quick-Step have now won three stages, with Remco Evenepoel leading the GC into the final day
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Molano sprints to stage four victory at UAE Tour to save UAE Team Emirates' race
Colombian rider wins stage for home team at fourth opportunity, as Remco Evenepoel continues in race lead
By Adam Becket Published
-
Remco Evenepoel edges closer to UAE Tour lead as Soudal Quick-Step win stage two team time trial
The Belgian team won by a single second, leaving Evenepoel tied on time at the top of the GC
By Tom Davidson Published
-
‘That’s not bad’ - Mark Cavendish pleased with first podium finish for Astana at UAE Tour
The British road champion recorded his best race result since joining Astana Qazaqstan
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tim Merlier declared winner of UAE Tour stage one in tight photo finish
The Soudal Quick-Step rider's team-mate Remco Evenepoel stretched out an early lead in the battle for GC
By Tom Davidson Published