Bianchi have unveiled the Oltre XR2 to be ridden by Belkin Pro Cycling in 2014.
The Italian brand, who sponsored the now-defunct Vacansoleil-DCM team in 2013, replaces Giant as the Dutch team’s bike sponsor.
The Oltre XR2 was unveiled in June 2013 as the successor to the Oltre XR with a new, integrated headtube said to improve aerodynamics and front-end stiffness.
The team issue bike combines Bianchi’s trademark celeste with the green of electronics manufacturer Belkin.
The frame is dressed in a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, with the Japanese firm also supplying the wheels, wrapped in Vittoria tubular tyres. FSA provide the handlebar and stem, while Robert Gesink et al will sit on Selle San Marco saddles. Pioneer’s new power meter, first spotted at the Ride London-Surrey Classic, completes the tech spec.
The team, who will start their season at the Tour Down Under on January 19-26, will also have Bianchi’s Infinito CV Classics bike to pull from the mechanics’ truck.
The Infinito CV was introduced ahead of the 2013 Paris-Roubaix, where Juan Antonio Flecha rode it to eighth place, and uses Bianchi’s ‘Countervail Vibration Cancelling Technology’ to improve comfort.
The team edition Infinito CV will be unveiled later in January, according to Bianchi, who also revealed a “new super aero time-trial machine” is in the pipeline.
Cycling’s sponsorship merry-go-round also sees Giant take over from Felt as Argos-Shimano’s sponsor, while Movistar riders will have a fleet of Canyon bikes at their disposal in 2014.
