The Battle of the Trackstand Stars: A Friendly Rivalry or a Brand War?
In the quiet off-season, even the bike industry's media teams are getting creative with their online content. Canyon, a bike company, recently posted a video featuring Mathieu van der Poel, an Alpecin-Deceuninck rider, showcasing his trackstand skills against his teammate Jasper Philipsen. A cute and light-hearted video, right?
But here's where it gets controversial. This video came just days after a similar video featuring Wout van Aert, MvdP's rival, going head-to-head with Jackson Goldstone, a downhill world champion. Coincidence? Maybe not, especially with Canyon's cheeky caption: "A trackstand face-off that nobody asked for but everybody needed it."
The timing and the comment suggest a subtle dig at Cervélo and Red Bull's viral moment. It almost feels like Canyon is hinting that Philipsen isn't the real competition for MvdP. The playing field is level, but there's an underlying weirdness to it.
Canyon's caption, coupled with van der Poel's dominance, makes it seem like a statement. All four riders are in casual shoes, and the setup is more about showcasing natural talent than a race scenario. Van Aert holds his own, but van der Poel looks like he could hold that position indefinitely.
The debate gets interesting when we talk about van der Poel's foot placement. Some argue that using the front wheel for balance is an unfair advantage, while others say it requires skill to achieve. So, is it cheating? You can decide for yourself by trying it out in your living room.
While this might not be the most groundbreaking news, it's an intriguing development. Is van der Poel's semi-announced 'cross campaign this winter a factor? Are the brands engaging in a friendly rivalry or a subtle war of words? The riders themselves aren't commenting much, but Canyon's move to replicate Cervélo and Red Bull's idea raises questions.
In the absence of racing, these light-hearted battles provide some entertainment. It's certainly more fun than unveiling golden statues of star riders! So, who do you think has the skills? Van der Poel or van Aert? And is this a friendly rivalry or a brand battle? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
