Exclusive interview with Andreas Klöden at the SCHMOLKE-Carbon training camp in Mallorca

During the SCHMOLKE Carbon Training Camp 2026 in Mallorca, we had the opportunity to speak exclusively with Andreas Klöden, former WorldTour professional and two-time Tour de France runner-up. In a relaxed atmosphere and pleasant temperatures, Andreas told us about his rides on the hotel terrace in Ca’n Pastilla and shared his professional view of our SCHMOLKE carbon components.

SCHMOLKE Carbon: Andreas, you are currently attending SCHMOLKE Carbon’s ‘Mallorca Training Camp 2026’ together with Stefan Schmolke and 12 other road bike enthusiasts. How were the first training rides on the island and how are your legs feeling?

Andreas Klöden: It’s always great to visit the island for a week each year, where I spent most of my professional career getting fit. Experience has shown that my legs need a little time after winter before they feel better again.

Leggerissima – Perfection in Weight and Performance!

Andreas' impressions of the world's lightest series production road bike – the ‘Leggerissima’

SCHMOLKE Carbon: Here in Mallorca, you ride the Schmolke Carbon ‘Leggerissima’ with the TLO50 wheelset from SCHMOLKE Carbon. How does this lightweight bike, weighing just 5.4 kg, perform when you climb the passes of the Tramuntana mountains?

Andreas Klöden: The ‘Leggerissima’ rides really well. Of course, you really notice how light it is in the mountains.

SCHMOLKE Carbon: During your active time as a WorldTour professional, you stood on the podium twice as runner-up in the Tour de France. In your opinion, what have been the most significant changes in road bike technology since then? What do you like about them, and what do you perhaps miss?

Andreas Klöden: In my opinion, the most significant changes are, of course, disc brakes. They are a great relief in the rain and especially when riding downhill. The brakes engage immediately, allowing you to brake much later than with the brakes of the past, where you first had to brake the film of water off the rim before the brakes started to work.

I don’t really miss anything. It would be nice, of course, if the UCI would change the minimum weight of 6.8 kg for UCI races, so that every professional could experience what it’s like to ride such a light road bike.

New TLO 50: Even more aerodynamic, even lighter!

Tips from former WorldTour pro Andreas Klöden

SCHMOLKE Carbon: During your long and successful career, you have certainly ridden many different bikes. Now you ride the “Leggerissima”. From your professional perspective, what do you particularly appreciate about this bike?

Andreas Klöden: The first thing that comes to mind, of course, is the weight of the “Leggerissima”. It is impressive how they have managed to combine lightness and stiffness in this bike.

SCHMOLKE Carbon: There are 12 of you in total at the training camp and you share your professional experience with the participants and surely give them a few training tips on your rides. What are your top 5?

Andreas Klöden: Well, I wouldn’t say top 5. The important thing is that if I see while riding that someone’s position on the bike could be improved, I mention it and then they can try adjusting it the next day.

Riding in a group may be new to some, so I give them a few tips. Otherwise, I answer all questions as best I can.

Lightweight Bundle - TLO 55 Saddle plus TLO 1K Seatpost!

SCHMOLKE Carbon: Thank you, Andreas, for taking the time to share your impressions. We wish you many more wonderful days in Mallorca and, of course, strong legs for your upcoming rides on the SCHMOLKE Carbon ‘Leggerissima’. And you know: Every gramm counts!