Retro pro bike: Marco Pantani’s 1998 Bianchi Mega Pro XL

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=320%2C416 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=480%2C624 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=615%2C800 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=190%2C247, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=380%2C494 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=570%2C741 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=615%2C800 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 425px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=215%2C279, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=430%2C559 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=616%2C800 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 768px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C383, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=590%2C767 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=616%2C800 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 992px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=136%2C176, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=272%2C353 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=408%2C530 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=544%2C707 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 993px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=155%2C201, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=310%2C403 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=465%2C604 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=615%2C800 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <img class="wp-image-318348 size-portrait_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-gallery-grid-src-image" src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C383" width="295" height="383" data-crop-width="" data-crop-height="" alt="Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) rode his custom Bianchi to victory in both the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia in 1998" title="1265123618635-8tz6guptiqxa-43c72d7" style="width: auto; height: 100%;"> Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) rode his custom Bianchi to victory in both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia in 1998 Daniel Benson/BikeRadar

Marco Pantani’s Mercatone Uno Bianchi Mega Pro XL Reparto Corse was tailor-made for the wispy climber’s attacking style and slight build and epitomises the cycling technology of the day.

The custom-built bike was light, stiff enough and crafted to perfection, and ultimately carried ‘Il Pirata’ to the top step of the podium in both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia in 1998, earning a firm place in cycling history.

Bianchi’s Reparto Corse race shop built the custom frame to Pantani’s exact specifications, using a lightweight Dedacciai doubled-butted 7000-series shaped alloy tubeset, a very slightly sloping geometry and a relatively generous head tube to suit the Italian’s aggressive in-the-drops climbing style.

Convention was the rule back then, rather than the exception, with a standard threaded bottom bracket shell, non-integrated 1in head tube, telescoping 27.2mm seat tube, and well-proven tube shapes that ventured only slightly away from round in select areas. Aerodynamics was barely even a concern a decade ago outside of time trials.

Aluminium was the material of choice throughout for its predictable durability, from the beautifully polished Campagnolo Record drivetrain and dual-pivot brake calipers to the tubular ITM Big One stem and standard-diameter handlebar – and even the Campagnolo Electron tubular wheels.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124033178-15ni248p92vkp-fa33e0b.jpg?quality=90&lb=1067,800&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124033178-15ni248p92vkp-fa33e0b.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,704&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124033178-15ni248p92vkp-fa33e0b.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,545&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124033178-15ni248p92vkp-fa33e0b.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,416&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124033178-15ni248p92vkp-fa33e0b.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,266&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124033178-15ni248p92vkp-fa33e0b.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,254&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124033178-15ni248p92vkp-fa33e0b.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,239&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1067" height="800" class="wp-image-318406 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="The Campagnolo Electron wheels use box-section alloy rims for light weight and a smooth ride – perfect characteristics for a wispy climber like Pantani" title="1265124033178-15ni248p92vkp-fa33e0b" data-source-name="Daniel Benson/BikeRadar"> The campagnolo electron wheels use box-section alloy rims for light weight and a smooth ride – perfect characteristics for a wispy climber like pantani.: the campagnolo electron wheels use box-section alloy rims for light weight and a smooth ride – perfect characteristics for a wispy climber like pantani. Daniel Benson/BikeRadar

The Campagnolo Electron wheels use box-section alloy rims for light weight and a smooth ride – perfect characteristics for a wispy climber like Pantani.

Lo oking shockingly minimal in comparison to currently fashionable deep-section carbon, the Electron’s box-section rims were ideally suited to a rider of Pantani’s nature: they had low inertia for rapid accelerations, they were comfortable over the long haul for such a light rider, and they were easily serviceable with grease injection ports front and rear, readily replaceable components and a tubular tyre bed that offered a more reliable bond than carbon.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123832609-1nalrbfd2xv67-49f7c3e.jpg?quality=90&lb=800,1067&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123832609-1nalrbfd2xv67-49f7c3e.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,970&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123832609-1nalrbfd2xv67-49f7c3e.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,741&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123832609-1nalrbfd2xv67-49f7c3e.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,473&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123832609-1nalrbfd2xv67-49f7c3e.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,453&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123832609-1nalrbfd2xv67-49f7c3e.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,426&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="800" height="1067" class="wp-image-318388 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="A Time carbon fork is used up front" title="1265123832609-1nalrbfd2xv67-49f7c3e" data-source-name="Daniel Benson/BikeRadar"> A time carbon fork is used up front.: a time carbon fork is used up front. Daniel Benson/BikeRadar A Time carbon fork is used up front.

More exotic materials can still be found, though in limited quantities. Carbon fibre was used for the Time fork and nine-speed Record Ergopower levers – though this may have been a post-season change as most race photos from the time show alloy ones – the Time Equipe Pro pedals sported magnesium bodies, and titanium was used in the seatpost mast and rear cogs.

Though not super-stiff compared to today’s carbon fibre machines, Pantani’s bike was undeniably light, even by modern standards. Total weight was just 6.96kg (15.34lb), including bottle cage and pedals.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124094586-1v74kwm6y77e5-22c2139.jpg?quality=90&lb=1067,800&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124094586-1v74kwm6y77e5-22c2139.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,704&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124094586-1v74kwm6y77e5-22c2139.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,545&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124094586-1v74kwm6y77e5-22c2139.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,416&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124094586-1v74kwm6y77e5-22c2139.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,266&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124094586-1v74kwm6y77e5-22c2139.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,254&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124094586-1v74kwm6y77e5-22c2139.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,239&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1067" height="800" class="wp-image-318425 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="The 170mm-long Campagnolo Record cranks are fitted with enormous 44/54T chainrings" title="1265124094586-1v74kwm6y77e5-22c2139" data-source-name="Daniel Benson/BikeRadar"> The 170mm-long campagnolo record cranks are fitted with enormous 44/54t chainrings.: the 170mm-long campagnolo record cranks are fitted with enormous 44/54t chainrings. Daniel Benson/BikeRadar The 170mm-long Campagnolo Record cranks are fitted with enormous 44/54T chainrings.

That light weight obviously helped Pantani up the mountain but somewhat surprising is the massive gearing he used to do so. The cassette spread is a fairly standard 11-23T but the chainrings measure a comparatively enormous 54/44T – something more commonly found on a time trial bike but assuming they’re period-correct, perhaps still appropriate to Pantani’s out-of-the-saddle climbing style.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124141170-11eglf39x7urj-5bbb2e8.jpg?quality=90&lb=1067,800&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124141170-11eglf39x7urj-5bbb2e8.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,704&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124141170-11eglf39x7urj-5bbb2e8.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,545&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124141170-11eglf39x7urj-5bbb2e8.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,416&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124141170-11eglf39x7urj-5bbb2e8.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,266&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124141170-11eglf39x7urj-5bbb2e8.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,254&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265124141170-11eglf39x7urj-5bbb2e8.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,239&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1067" height="800" class="wp-image-318438 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="Pantani's trademark attacking style and bandana earned him one of the most memorable nicknames in cycling" title="1265124141170-11eglf39x7urj-5bbb2e8" data-source-name="Daniel Benson/BikeRadar"> Pantani’s trademark attacking style and bandana earned him one of the most memorable nicknames in cycling.: pantani’s trademark attacking style and bandana earned him one of the most memorable nicknames in cycling. Daniel Benson/BikeRadar Pantani’s trademark attacking style and bandana earned him one of the most memorable nicknames in cycling.

Compared to today’s crop of hyper-customised machines, personalised touches on Pantani’s bike were more subdued – and arguably in better taste. There’s the usual name on the top tube but also the custom embroidered Flite saddle from then-sponsor Selle Italia, not to mention the trademark single bottle cage as opposed to the more common two.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123814664-1ec1jx46p0etn-01aa178.jpg?quality=90&lb=1067,800&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123814664-1ec1jx46p0etn-01aa178.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,704&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123814664-1ec1jx46p0etn-01aa178.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,545&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123814664-1ec1jx46p0etn-01aa178.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,416&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123814664-1ec1jx46p0etn-01aa178.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,266&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123814664-1ec1jx46p0etn-01aa178.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,254&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1265123814664-1ec1jx46p0etn-01aa178.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,239&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1067" height="800" class="wp-image-318384 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="The popularity of integrated brake/shift levers has made down tube stops like this mostly a thing of the past but back in the day, these Campagnolo bits were among the finest examples of the breed" title="1265123814664-1ec1jx46p0etn-01aa178" data-source-name="Daniel Benson/BikeRadar"> The popularity of integrated brake/shift levers have made down tube stops like this mostly a thing of the past but back in the day, these campagnolo bits were among the finest examples of the breed.: the popularity of integrated brake/shift levers have made down tube stops like this mostly a thing of the past but back in the day, these campagnolo bits were among the finest examples of the breed. Daniel Benson/BikeRadar The popularity of integrated brake/shift levers has made down tube stops like this mostly a thing of the past but back in the day, these Campagnolo bits were among the finest examples of the breed

Pantani’s life outside of cycling ultimately consumed him in a lonely hotel room six years ago. Though his career was also clouded with controversy in its later years, legions of fans still prefer to remember him for his emphatic performances on the bike – this bike – and will continue to honour his memory as one of the greatest Italian cyclists of all time.

Complete bike specifications Frame: Bianchi Mega Pro XL Reparto Corse, Dedacciai double-butted 7000-series aluminium Fork: Time Headset: Campagnolo Record Stem: ITM ‘Big One’, 11cm x -11° Handlebars: ITM Super Italia Pro 260, 42cm (c-c) Tape/grips: Bianchi cork Front brake: Campagnolo Record Rear brake: Campagnolo Record Brake levers: Campagnolo Record Front derailleur: Campagnolo Record Rear derailleur: Campagnolo Record Shift levers: Campagnolo Record Ergopower, nine-speed Cassette: Campagnolo Record, 11-23T Chain: Campagnolo Record Crankset: Campagnolo Record, 170mm, 54/44T Bottom bracket: Campagnolo Record Pedals: Time Equipe Mag Wheelset: Campagnolo Electron tubular Front tyre: Vittoria Corsa CX TT tubular, 21mm Rear tyre: Vittoria Corsa CX TT tubular, 21mm Saddle: Selle Italia Flite, signature edition Seatpost: Campagnolo Record titanium Bottle cages: Ciussi stainless steel Critical measurements Rider’s height: 1.72m (5ft 8in) Rider’s weight: 57kg (126lb) Saddle height, from BB (c-t): 710mm Seat tube length, c-t: 505mm Seat tube length, c-c: 470mm Tip of saddle nose to C of bars (next to stem): 520mm Head tube length: 127mm Top tube length: 519mm (actual) Total bicycle weight: 6.96kg (15.34lb)