Nairo Quintana (Movistar) used the Route du Sud to fine-tune his form ahead of the Tour de France – and to run the rule over his new bike.

Canyon have just unveiled the latest version of the Ultimate CF SLX and Movistar used the four-stage Route du Sud to test the bike, eventually finishing second overall behind Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo). We’ve already shown you El Pistolero’s custom Specialized S-Works Tarmac from the race.

Canyon launch ‘more comfortable and more aerodynamic’ 2016 Ultimate CF SLX

The build-up to the Tour de France typically sees bike manufacturers launch their latest, greatest machine, with Bianchi, Lapierre, Trek and Specialized among the other companies to have done just that this summer, and the races that lead up to the Tour – the Criterium du Dauphine, Tour de Suisse and Route du Sud – give key riders on those teams the chance to get to grips with their new bikes.

The fourth iteration of the Ultimate CF SLX seeks to combine low weight (just 780g), with improved aerodynamics and comfort. We’ve already brought you the full tech story from the launch, so now let’s take a closer look at the bike on which Quintana will attempt to win the Tour de France.