Fred Vesti
The Sigma Sports Cafe Ride
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Matt is treated to a once in a lifetime experience when he spends a day with Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team Third Driver Fred Vesti in this high octane episode of the Sigma Sports Cafe Ride. After a quick tour of the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team facility in Brackley, Matt and Fred hit the road for a short jaunt to the home of British Motorsport. At Silverstone, Fred sets Matt a unique challenge. Set a time for a hot lap of the F1 circuit in a two-up time trial.
Later, Matt must attempt to beat that time on Fred's home simulator - no instructions - no training. How will Matt's bike racing experience stack up on the F1 circuit vs the seat of a state-of-the-art simulator? There's only one way to find out…
Special thanks to the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, Silverstone, and the Refuel Cafe.
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The Route
Ready, set and they are off, from the Mercedes F1 AMG Petronas F1 Team headquarters, Fred and Matt clipped in for a relatively short spin to the iconic Silverstone motor racing circuit. A location steeped in history, the duo embarked on a hot lap of the Grand Prix circuit before enjoying a slower trackside experience, with lunch at Silverstone Museum's Refuel Cafe. Carbo reloaded and the duo started their rolling route south down to Bicester to finish a truly memorable day on the pedals.
The Bike
A performance offering from Trek, bringing futuristic carbon fibre aero tube shapes and detailing, perfect for the rigours of a Formula One circuit. The Trek Madone SL 7 Ultegra Di2 Gen 8 Road Bike is a highly capable machine, equipped with Shimano's electronic groupset and Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51, OCLV Carbon wheels.
Pirelli are the sole tyre provider for Formula One - they really know their rubber. Matt rode a set of P-Zero Race 4S tyres on the tarmac of Silverstone, and a set of Cinturato Evos for extra grip and puncture protection on the lanes around the historic motor racing circuit.
The Kit
A chilly day in Oxfordshire meant Matt had to wrap up for this ride. Thankfully his Universal Colours kit did just the trick. Providing plenty of options to keep the wind off, as well as allow Matt to strip down to embark on his hot lap of Silverstone.
Trek didn't just provide the bike, they also kitted Matt out with their Velocis MIPS road helmet and Velocis road cycling shoes.
Want to explore the series? Find out about the other Sigma Sports Cafe Ride guests and watch all the episodes.