Bianchi officially releases the Team Belkin’s Oltre XR.2 model for 2014 season. It is the latest generation of the extreme racing Oltre carbon frame, with the best rigidity to weight ratio, for the most expert UCI WorldTour professional riders.
2014 road race calendar is about to start and Team Belkin is now exclusively empowered by Bianchi with Oltre XR.2.
Technical features
The Oltre XR.2 assures fast acceleration, maximum power transmission and superior handling thanks to its super rigid frame and Bianchi’s unique race proven geometry. Bianchi’s PID graphics (Pure Italian Design) feature a black and celeste color scheme with Belkin’s green inserts.
The frame is built to combine design and performance through Bianchi’s “design technical oriented” approach: super light frame for optimal climbing performance and Ultra Thin Seat Stays (UTSS Technology); aero shape, with new integrated aero fork and internal cable routing, to make the bike faster on the flat and downhill segments. Larger chain stays and down tube, together with a 86.5x41mm bottom bracket area, make Team Belkin’s Oltre XR.2 more rigid to better support explosive attacks and launch Theo Bos in the bunch sprints. X-Tex carbon technology contributes to have an exceptional torsional rigidity thanks to a carbon weave structure molded into the headtube and BB areas.
The Oltre XR.2 frame of Team Belkin, assembled with Shimano Dura Ace Di2 electronic groupset, features internal battery positioned inside the Bianchi innovative carbon seatpost designed by Bianchi.
Reactions
Oltre XR.2 has been tested by Belkin Pro Cycling Team riders in the pre-season training camps in December. “Since my very first ride, I’ve been really impressed by Oltre XR.2’s handling and stability. I also had great confidence on the descents: it is very precise. I like also the color and design”, Robert Gesink explained.
Sep Vanmarcke defined Oltre XR.2 as a really performance bike while Theo Bos added that: “The frame is rigid and light, with a perfect geometry. It’s fast as I like to be”.
Team Belkin’s Infinito CV with Countervail Vibration Cancelling Technology will be unveiled later in January. Bianchi will also provide the team with a new super aero time-trial machine.
Belkin Pro Cycling Team will make its seasonal debut in Australia, at Tour Down Under on January 19th-26th.
Ron Callahan is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.