The not-yet-released Oltre XR4 has a curvy integration of its tall head tube - Josh Evans / Immediate Media
George Bennett’s Bianchi Oltre XR4 - Josh Evans / Immediate Media
The dropped chainstay is new on the Oltre XR4 - Josh Evans / Immediate Media
Shimano's so-called climbing switch allows for two-way shifting of the rear derailleur with the right thumb - Josh Evans / Immediate Media
FSA SL-K stems are popular with pros as they offer drops up to -17 — good for getting a low position - Josh Evans / Immediate Media
Aero seatposts are great for aerodynamics, but a little tricky for number holders - Josh Evans / Immediate Media
Pioneer's dual-sided power meter offers unique 12-point measurement in addition to the standard metrics - Josh Evans / Immediate Media
A Selle San Marco Aspide Racing saddle - Josh Evans / Immediate Media
Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 direct-mount brakes offer perhaps the best rim-brake power on the market - Josh Evans / Immediate Media
With the just-announced Dura-Ace 9150 Di2 slated for release in 2017, this Dura-Ace 9070 Di2 is so 2016 - Josh Evans / Immediate Media
Vittoria's Corsa tread has unique parallel striations - Josh Evans / Immediate Media
Bianchi has an XR1, an XR2 and, soon, an XR4. What happened to the XR3? We have no idea - Josh Evans / Immediate Media
Lotto-Jumbo is racing a not-yet-released aero bike at the Tour de France. George Bennett and his teammates are on the Bianchi Oltre XR4, in iconic celeste blue, which has several new features compared to its predecessors.
The Bianchi Oltre XR1 and XR2 both feature oversized, bladed tubes, a recessed fork crown and hourglass-shaped head tube that tapers smoothly back into the lowered top tube.
The Bianchi Oltre XR4 keeps those basic characteristics, but takes the aero advantages even further. The XR4 is equipped with deeper tubing as well as more integration around the headset, seat clamp and rear dropouts.
The new swooping forks are equipped with direct-mount Dura-Ace brakes and the design shares similarities with the latest forks on the Pinarello Dogma F8.
Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 direct-mount brakes offer perhaps the best rim-brake power on the market: Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 direct-mount brakes offer perhaps the best rim-brake power on the market - Josh Evans / Immediate Media
The new bike also features a redesigned rear end, with the chainstays dropping beneath the rear axle.
Countervail carbon technology reduces vibrations throughout the frame structure offering a comfortable ride, Bianchi claims.
The Lotto-Jumbo Oltre CR4 is equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, a Pioneer power meter and Dura-Ace C50 wheels. George Bennett opts for a climbing switch satellite shifter on his bars for use whilst climbing.
FSA SL-K stems are popular with pros as they offer drops up to -17 — good for getting a low position: FSA SL-K stems are popular with pros as they offer drops up to -17 — good for getting a low position - Josh Evans / Immediate Media
The Italian frame is finished with FSA bars and seatpost, and a Selle San Marco Aspide Racing saddle completes the bike.
Click or swipe through the gallery above to see more of the New Zealander’s bike.
Bianchi has an XR1, an XR2 and, soon, an XR4. What happened to the XR3? We have no idea: Bianchi has an XR1, an XR2 and, soon, an XR4. What happened to the XR3? We have no idea - Josh Evans / Immediate Media
