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.
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.
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.