This year the riders of the Rabobank squad have a new weapon in the battle to conquer the rough roads of the spring classics. For long, grueling races like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, the Defy Advanced SL offers the best of both worlds: the superlight, efficient composite race performance they demand, with a smoother, endurance-oriented ride quality that reduces fatigue during long races and rides.

For the classics, Rabobank riders have the option of racing either TCR Advanced SL, the bike they usually turn to for races like the Tour de France, the new Defy Advanced SL, and even the TCX Advanced SL cyclocross bike for the roughest cobblestone races like Paris-Roubaix. At most of the spring classics, you’ll often see a mix of Giant bikes being raced by different members of the team.

One of Rabobank’s top classics racers, 27-year-old Danish rider Matti Breschel, has raced the Defy Advanced SL this year at races like the E3 Prijs Vlaanderen. With long sections of pavé, including many of the same ridden in the Tour of Flanders, the 203km Belgian classic takes a toll on riders and bikes.

For Breschel, who is on the comeback this year after a 2011 season that was shortened by injuries, the Defy Advanced SL was the right choice for E3. The more rounded shapes of the composite tubing add compliance. The seatstays are positioned lower, which absorbs shock and vibration. And the geometry is slightly modified, with a longer front-center for stability on the roughest sections.

Matti's choice paid off: He stayed at the front over the critical cobblestone sections and made the elite group that sprinted for the win. His 11th place finish was one of a handful of resurgent results this spring.

Here’s a closer look at Matti’s Defy Advanced SL classics bike:

MATTI BRESCHEL’S DEFY ADVANCED SL

Model: Defy Advanced SL, size Medium
Frame: Advanced SL Grade Composite with Integrated Seatpost
Fork: Advanced SL Grade Composite with OverDrive 2
Handlebar: PRO Vibe aluminum, round 44cm
Stem: Giant Contact, OverDrive 2
Saddle: Fizik Aliante
Pedals: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900
Shifters: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900
Front Derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900
Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900
Brake levers: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900
Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace CS-7900, 11-23
Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900
Crankset: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900, 172.5mm, 53/39
Bottom Bracket: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900
Wheels: Shimano Dura-Ace C35
Tires: Vittoria Corsa CX, 25mm
Bottle cage: Tacx Tao Aluminum