A SPECIAL STEM’S STORY BEHIND KORETZKY’S WIN IN ALBSTADT WC

There is the Giro d'Italia, obviously, this attracts all the attention, but for those who follow the off-road two-wheel the last weekend was also the first 2021 XCO World Cup weekend.

On Friday the former French National Champion Victor Koretzky from FSA partners Team KMC-Orbea was very doubtful having to decide to use the fully or the hardtail Orbea bike. Tests of the bike, geometries, and position to be reviewed, handlebar and stems to replace at the last minute and then the decision: he starts with the hardtail, achieving the same position of the fully thanks to the SL-K -20 Drop Stem Stem FSA sent to the team on the race’s eve. And that turned out to be the right choice.

Sunday was a tough race, Albstadt is a course of fatigue and pain. Victor with the HT holds firm, the comparison with the fully in some sections of the course is "painful". Victor arrives in front and wins in the sprint against Nino Shurter. Memorable victory! 

« I can’t believe it. I live a dream. My shape was good before this race but I can’t imagine this win. Now I’m the world cup leader. Thanks to everyone ! I’m lost for words and I’m literally over the moon. » said Victor at the end of the race. 

FSA has been supporting the team on Orbea for years, we have been waiting together and with commitment for this moment. Congratulations to Victor and the team. Amazing job!

FOCUS ON SL-K DROP STEM
Big wheels and long-travel forks raise handlebars uncomfortably high. The innovative -20° drop SL-K stem tends to that issue, restoring weight distribution and handling balance. This tough stem is forged and CNC machined from aluminum and uses a wide, four-bolt faceplate to firmly clamp 31.8mm bars. With sizes ranging from 50mm to 120mm in length, this drop stem is your answer to taming the lofty front ends of 27.5” and 29"wheeled bikes.

Features:
Flat head stem with aggressive drop for 27, 5” and 29” wheels
2D forged and CNC machined from AL2014
28mm fork clamp stack height 
Chromoly hardware 
Weight: 162 grams (80mm)
Suggested retail price: 125.00 Euro