Bianchi have unveiled the Sempre Pro bike to be ridden by Italian national champion, Franco Pellizotti, in 2013.
The Italian manufacturer is supplier to the Italian Pro Continental team led by Pellizotti, Androni Giocattoli Venezuela.
Pellizotti’s machine is matt black and decorated with the Italian tricolore to match his national champion’s jersey.
He said: “My new Sempre Pro is exactly the bike I was looking for: it reflects my characteristics and the geometry is pure racing.”
We were given a sneak preview of the Sempre Pro in November. We noted the 7cm bottom bracket shell, the 1.5 inch lower bearing at the head tube, and the similarity in head and seat tube angles to the flagship Oltre.
RCUK understands that Bianchi have moved the Sempre’s persona closer to that of the Oltre, supplied to the Vacansoleil-DCM WorldTour team.
“I tested my new Sempre Pro frame in December and the main thing I appreciated was the stiffness of the bike, something which is also visible from the larger diameter of the new massive down-tube and the oversized chain stay”, said Pellizotti.
“The bike is light and rides smoothly but when you jump on the pedals, especially on the climbs, it is incredibly reactive and shows all its racing spirit – something which I truly love from Bianchi”.
Pellizotti’s machine, and those of his Androni Giocattoli Venezuela teammates, will be equipped with Campagnolo Super Record groupset, except for the chainset and brakes, which will come from FSA.
