Cannondale Factory Racing (CFR) is presenting itself in a completely new guise for the Whoop UCI Mountain Bike World Series 2025. The cross-country team has been extensively restructured in terms of personnel and is also receiving striking new bikes and race outfits. With this reorganisation, Cannondale aims to set new trends in the highly competitive XC World Cup and build on previous successes.
Prominent new additions strengthen the team
At the head of the newly formed team is Charlie Aldridge, the only rider to be carried over from last year. The young Briton already achieved some promising results last season and is now set to take the next step in his development. The most prominent new signing to join the team is Swiss rider Jolanda Neff. The Olympic champion and former world champion is one of the best-known personalities in the sport of mountain biking and gives the CFR line-up additional appeal. According to Cannondale, Neff has already settled in superbly on her new Scalpel and has already scored several victories during pre-season preparation.
The line-up is completed by three promising U23 riders: Luca Martin, Ana Santos and Cole Punchard are set to represent the next generation of the team and establish themselves in the World Cup circuit. With this mix of experienced top riders and up-and-coming talent, Cannondale Factory Racing aims to fight for podium places in both the elite and junior categories in the coming season.
New colour design connects bike and rider
In addition to the personnel changes, Cannondale is also presenting a completely revised colour concept for bikes and race clothing. The scheme, developed by the in-house design team under Ryan Chung, focuses on a striking contrast between the natural carbon look of the frame and bright orange and green tones as accent colours. This colour combination runs through all elements from the frame to the characteristic Lefty fork to the racing outfit, creating a distinctive visual identity for the team, according to Cannondale.
When developing the design, particular emphasis was placed on the perfect integration of all components. The frame, fork and racing outfit are precisely colour-coordinated to create a harmonious overall look. At the same time, care was taken not to unnecessarily increase the weight of the bike through the paintwork. The result is a race bike that is both visually and technically state-of-the-art.
High-end equipment for top performance
The Cannondale Scalpel in the ultra-light LAB71 version serves as the technical basis for the World Cup events. According to the manufacturer, the carbon frame is the stiffest and most responsive Scalpel frame ever built. In combination with the 120 millimetre Lefty Ocho carbon suspension fork, the result is an uncompromising XC race bike that is optimised for maximum performance on technically demanding World Cup routes.
For the equipment, Cannondale relies on high-quality components from established partners. The new XTR Di2 groupset from Shimano, the wireless electronic shifting system, is used. The one-piece SystemBar XC-One carbon handlebar/stem combination from Cannondale is designed not only to save weight, but also to increase steering precision. The package is rounded off with ultra-light carbon wheels from FSA.
Replica versions available for fans
For fans and ambitious amateur racers, Cannondale is offering the opportunity to bring a bit of that World Cup feeling home with them. The official team jersey from supplier Shimano will be available from specialist retailers over the course of the summer. Particularly exclusive: an exact replica of the World Cup bike will also be launched on the market in limited numbers as the "LAB71 Team Edition Scalpel" - including all sponsor components and the eye-catching colour design.
Cannondale Scalpel LAB71 Team Edition
- Frame: LAB71 Series 0 Carbon
- Suspension fork: Lefty Ocho Carbon, 120 mm travel
- Shifting: Shimano XTR Di2, wireless
- Cockpit: SystemBar XC-One carbon handlebar/stem combo
- Wheels: FSA KFX Team Edition Carbon
- Price: 13,999 euros
Shimano S-Phyre CFR Team Replica Kit
- Special feature: White panels in the upper area for maximum heat reflection
