Ben Hermans' De Rosa Protos in use at the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah(Image credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
Hermans' team name adorns the top tube of his custom-painted De Rosa Protos(Image credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
53/38 chainrings are paired with FSA's Powerbox Carbon crankset, which spins on C-Bear ceramic bottom bracket bearings(Image credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
A Dura-Ace Di2 rear derailleur is paired with an 11-30 cassette and a gold KMC X11 SL chain(Image credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
Hermans' saddle of choice is the Selle Italia Flite Team Edition Flow(Image credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
Hermans has added a couple of lucky charms to his bike, one of which is secured beneath his saddle(Image credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
Berk Composites provide the team with custom De Rosa specific race number holders(Image credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
Elite provide the team with Leggero lightweight bottle cages and Fly bottles(Image credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
A close look at one of Hermans' lucky charms, affixed atop his stem(Image credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
Ben Hermans, the 33-year-old Belgian, wearing the Tour of Utah leaders jersey(Image credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
Hermans is using Vision Metron 40 tubular wheels and Maxxis High Road tyres(Image credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
Ben Hermans' Di2 junction box is superglued to the underside of his FSA stem(Image credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
Ben Hermans, the 33-year-old Belgian currently riding for Israel Cycling Academy, has just taken his second general classification win of the season at the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, improving upon his 2018 runner up result, beating James Piccoli into second place by 50 seconds.
For 2019, Hermans, who stands at 1.86m tall, has been riding a 55cm rim brake-equipped De Rosa Protos, an aerodynamically sympathetic allrounder that is suitable for professionals and amateurs alike. Hermans' required reach is achieved with the use of a 130mm FSA OS-99 carbon fibre stem, which is paired with 42cm FSA K-Force handlebars. Both of these feature extra FSA logo stickers for greater exposure for the component brand.
There are a couple of less-common additions to Hermans' bike in the form of what look to be lucky charms. One of which is affixed to the stem and the other is placed securely underneath his Selle Italia Flite Team Edition Flow saddle. There is also a super-lightweight carbon fibre number holder, made by Berk Composites.
Hermans is using the Metron 40 tubular wheelset from the team's wheel sponsor Vision. These have been fitted with Maxxis High Road tubular tyres, and although not tubeless, Hermans is using Orange Seal tubeless sealant as an extra preventative against untimely punctures.
Power is measured using FSA's own Powerbox power meter, which spins on a C-Bear ceramic bottom bracket. Data is collected by a Lezyne computer, which is fitted directly on top of Hermans' stem rather than to an out-front mount. The bike is fitted with the range-topping Dura-Ace R9150 Di2 groupset from Shimano. A 53/38 chainring combination is paired with an 11-30 cassette, and Hermans has opted for a gold KMC X11 SL chain. Upfront, the R9150 shift/brake levers are paired with sprint shifters, which provide easy access shifting when in the drops – useful both in sprints, as intended, as well as when tackling technical descents.
Click through the gallery above for a closer look at Hermans' De Rosa Protos
Hermans' De Rosa Protos full bike specifications
Frameset: De Rosa Protos (55cm)
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Front brake: Shimano Dura-Ace R9110-F direct mount Rear brake: Shimano Dura-Ace R9110-RS direct mount Brake/shift levers: Shimano Dura-Ace R9150 Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9150 Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9150 Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 (11-30) Chain: KMC X11-SL Gold Crankset: FSA Powerbox Carbon (172.5mm) Chainrings: 53/38 Bottom bracket: C-Bear ceramic
Wheelset: Vision Metron 40 tubular Tyres: Maxxis High Road tubular
Handlebars: FSA K-Force compact carbon (42cm) Stem: FSA OS-99 carbon (130mm) Pedals: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 Saddle: Selle Italia Flite Team Edition Flow Seat post: De Rosa proprietary
Bottle cages: Elite Leggero Computer: Lezyne Other accessories: Berk Composites number holder, Orange Seal tyre sealant
Rider height: 1.86m
Ben Hermans' kit specifications
Helmet: Giro Aether Sunglasses: Oakley Radar
Shoes: Specialized S-Works 7 Cleats: Shimano SPD SL (zero float)
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Josh is Associate Editor of Cyclingnews – leading our content on the best bikes, kit and the latest breaking tech stories from the pro peloton. He has been with us since the summer of 2019 and throughout that time he's covered everything from buyer's guides and deals to the latest tech news and reviews.
On the bike, Josh has been riding and racing for over 15 years. He started out racing cross country in his teens back when 26-inch wheels and triple chainsets were still mainstream, but he found favour in road racing in his early 20s, racing at a local and national level for Somerset-based Team Tor 2000. These days he rides indoors for convenience and fitness, and outdoors for fun on road, gravel, 'cross and cross-country bikes, the latter usually with his two dogs in tow.
