As we approach Ironman 70.3 World Championship week, the pros are out on their bikes testing out their setups before race day.

One month ago, Kristian Blummenfelt was spotted riding the new 2025 Giant Trinity Advanced SL, sparking dialogue over which bike he would choose for the championship race. With the climbing and technical demands of the Nice course giving athletes plenty to consider, what other course specific setups might we see when the pros roll into town?

For Jamie Riddle, the choice is made.

The bike course, from Plage des Ponchettes and back to the Promenade des Anglais, packs 1,244m (4,101 feet) of elevation gain. Riddle will attack the course through the Alpes-Maritimes aboard the new Nexar FRD, Felt’s dedicated aero road bike.

Since its release in March, the Nexar, Felt’s lightest aero bike, has become Riddle’s go-to racing machine. All in, his setup weighs approximately 6.8-6.9kg., for the ride through Alpes-Maritimes.

Photographer Markus Krampl and Bomdia Media managed to get a closer look at Riddle’s setup as he put the bike through a Col de Vence test ahead of the Ironman 70.3 World Championship.

At first glance, Riddle’s setup for the 1,244m climbing course is unapologetically aero – as much as a road bike can be, that is, with Riddle opting for lighter weight over a full TT setup given the course profile. Up front is an aero cSixx 56T chainring paired with a SRAM 10 to 33 cassette and Shimano Ultegra 170mm power meter cranks. A Shimano Dura-Ace chain and Dura-Ace Di2 RD R9250 rear derailleur complete the drivetrain.

The front end features a Vision base bar with a 3D printed spacer supporting his Tetsuo Masamune cockpit. Between the arms, Riddle has a BTA mount fitted with a TriRig BTA Pro kit.

Braking comes courtesy of Shimano Dura-Ace BR R9270 two piston hydraulic disc brakes, paired with Shimano RT MT900 rotors, 160mm at the front and 140mm at the rear. Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 ST R9270 shift levers complete the Shimano setup.

Fitted to climb and descend on race day, Riddle will be rolling on an ENVE Pro wheelset, with a 100mm front and Pro Disc rear. His tire choice appears to be between Continental’s Grand Prix 5000 TT TR and Pirelli P Zero Race.

Riddle has also fitted a Wove time trial and triathlon saddle with an integrated EZ Gains-Hydro BTS hydration system.

And here is what Riddle had to say about his bike choice: “A bold strategy, but together with some amazing partners, we have managed to piece together what I am confident will be the lightest bike at 70.3 world champs in Nice.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by J A M I E R I D D L E (@jamie__riddle)

Here is Riddle and his Nexar in action ahead of the Ironman 70.3 World Championship.