Just moments before he started the Smithfield Nocturne Elite race last weekend, we grabbed a minute with a relaxed Ed Clancy to check out his Boardman Pro Race Prepared.

The Race Prepared is the company’s top of the range, race-ready offering and is virtually identical to the one that RCUK is currently testing. Little difference then between the Olympic gold medal winner’s steed and the one you can ride away from any Halfords Bikehut store.

The Olympic Team Pursuit gold medallist’s Boardman is fitted with a complete SRAM Force groupset, the rider apparently choosing not to opt for the more expensive RED option. Ritchey fill the seatpost, stem and handlebar spots and, being a broad shouldered chap, Clancy chooses a wide set of bars matched with an equally long stem.

Wheels are Zipp’s 808, wheels with an 81mm deep section rim that weigh 1462g a pair. The wheels are said by Zipp to “save 2-7 watts of power for a pair of wheels at 30mph.” No specifying the baseline wheels, but comforting all the same.

However, the most intriguing element of Clancy’s bike has to be the standout saddle. It’s a rather unusual Selle SMP Evolution and takes the concept of the central channel to the extreme, resembling a saddle that has been entirely divided into two halves.

Ed relaxed before the start of the Nocturne Elite race	The PRO touch – your name on the top tube
One of the most unusual saddles I’ve ever seen	He’s a broad shouldered chap, is Ed. Hence his suitably wide handlebars
Stem is also on the ‘rangy’ side	Zipp’s 808 wheels are Ed’s choice
It’s SRAM Force everywhere	Boardman carbon fibre bottle cages

More at www.boardmanbikes.com and www.teamhalfordsbikehut.com