The 2022 Kona race bike of Patrick Lange

Patrick Lange rolls into the Ironman World Championship with a formidable record to defend.

But while his own resumé of two wins and a third place in four attempts is enviable, even that can’t compare to the results of the Canyon Speedmax CFR triathlon that he’s riding – a version of which has won every men’s title in Hawaii dating back to 2015.

The Speedmax CFR, which helped sweep both Lange and three-time champion Jan Frodeno to success on the Big Island, was finally updated late in 2020 and the German brand also introduced a special edition Kona-inspired Speedmax last year.

Is this the bike that will win Kona?

220 caught up with Lange pre-race to be given a quick tour of the bike and learn about the innovation and customisation he hopes will lead him to more success on Saturday,

Patrick says: “Let’s start with the Selle Italia saddle. It took us a long time to figure out the perfect shape, but we are super happy with it and the feedback from other athletes is that it’s a really good saddle.

“Looking at the cockpit, there is a 3D printed cover to block the airflow between the arms rests. Back in the day we used duct tape! There’s also a 3D printed version of the handlebar grips.

“A strong magnet keeps the drinking tube attached to the headset when you’re not using it, which leads to the integrated hydration system in the downtube, with an easy refill valve that can fill the 600ml bladder.

“There’s a built-in toolbox above the bottom bracket, with a latex inner tube from Schwalbe, which is super light and puncture resistant if necessary.

“You can also run it with a low inflation of the tyres. Back when I started racing we had glued on tyres and at 10 bar [145 psi] you could feel every stone on the road. Now we can run five bars of pressure and it still feels smooth.

“We have aerodynamic Swiss Side wheels and I will run a 80mm deep profile back and front on race day, as well as prototype Schwalbe Pro One TT bike tyres. I raced with them in Roth and although they have the same rolling resistance as the previous model, they are much more puncture resistant.

“The new SRM PM9 is the power meter [featuring magnet-less cadence with built-in accelerometer] and I’ll run a 56-42 chainring. It has a Shimano Dura Ace groupset and a new aero Ceramic Speed derailleur cage, which is an extra two-watt saving.”

Lange was speaking to 220 at the Canyon House of Champions at Lava Java on Ali’i Drive in Kona.