Italian time trial sensation Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) used the Classified two-speed rear hub system on his Giro d'Italia time trial bike, Cycling News has learned. [The Classified system's through-axle is unique and considerably larger than a traditional through-axle quick-release handlebar. After spotting it on TV cameras, Cycling News contacted the Ineos team to confirm our belief. [Classified Powershift, often called the "front derailleur killer," offers a two-speed internal gear system that can work with conventional derailleurs and shifters.

Its advantages relate to aerodynamics and weight. While removing the front derailleur and double chainset can reduce the bike's aerodynamic drag, Classified states that the additional weight of the system is low enough to reduce the overall net weight.

The single chainring's more centered position also makes cross-chaining less likely and slightly reduces friction, according to the company. There is also an advantage in shifting performance in that shifting from big chainrings to small chainrings can be done instantly.

The 40.6 km course from Foligno to Perugia was a race of halves and halves. The first 33 km were mostly flat, but as they approached the Ponte di San Giovanni, the gradient reached 16%.

To take advantage of the weight savings and aerodynamic benefits, many teams in recent years have begun to use 1x group sets, especially in flat races and time trials. They are especially suited for flat races and time trials. However, on the steep climb at the end of today's time trial, Ganna needed a smaller gear to turn the pedals on the 16% slope.

Ineos also confirmed that these hubs are mounted on Princeton Carbonworks wheels.

"We don't know what was on the bike. We just picked up stuff lying around the track," joked Ineos sport director Zach Dempster, "It's not like it was a plan that we've been working on for six months.

"No, I think today's stage and general material planning was important. Dario [Cioni] was already here the week after the presentation in Trento and was already thinking creatively about how to gain a competitive advantage in this stage."

"And I think we had a good setup on paper and a good plan. We redid the stage four times, including this morning."

Geraint Thomas also admitted that he was pleased with the classified system. It worked really well," he said. No problems."

Magnus Sheffield also used the Classified Shift System, allowing top World Tour players to use the innovative planetary gear system.

However, it remains to be seen if this system will spread beyond the already highly technical world of time trials.