George Bennett’s Bianchi Oltre XR4 gallery

2018 specced Italian celeste aero machine for Kiwi

Colin Levitch/Immediate Media

Published: January 17, 2018 at 4:00 am

This article was previously published n Cyclingnews

Following a top-ten finish at the Vuelta a España in 2016, George Bennett reinforced his GC prowess during the 2017 campaign by winning the overall GC at the Amgen Tour of California.

2018 is the fourth season for the New Zealander at LottoNL-Jumbo, and will see Bennett ride the same Bianchi Oltre XR4 that contributed to last year’s success.

In the iconic Bianchi celeste green, Bennett’s frameset is paired with a full Shimano Dura-Ace R9150 groupset and wheels, FSA cockpit and Pioneer power meter.

Seemingly every square inch of the celeste frameset is adorned with the team’s sponsors, and the contrasting yellow logos of LottoNL-Jumbo, the Pioneer unit, plus tan walled tyres, create an eye-catching machine in the WorldTour peloton.

Complementing the Pioneer power meter is a Pioneer Cyclocomputer SGX-CA500 headunit.

LottoNL-Jumbo use Pioneer power meters in conjunction with Shimano groupsets - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media

LottoNL-Jumbo are one of the six WorldTour teams equipped with Vittoria Corsa tubular tyres, and all opt for a tan walled finish.

The cockpit is provided by FSA and comprises of an Extra Light Compact Carbon handlebar and a SL-K stem.

LottoNL-Jumbo raced on Selle San Marco saddles during the 2017 season but this year are equipped with the 2018 range of saddles from Fizik, each with a flash of celeste.

Full specification

  • Frame: Bianchi Oltre XR4 carbon with Countervail
  • Fork: Bianchi Full Carbon Aero with Countervail
  • Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 direct mount
  • Brake/shifter levers: Shimano Dura-Ace R9150
  • Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9150
  • Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9150
  • Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100, 11-28t
  • Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100
  • Crankset: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 with Pioneer power meter, 172.5mm crank arms, 54/39 chainrings
  • Wheels: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100
  • Tyres: Vittoria Corsa, 25mm tubular
  • Handlebars: FSA Extra Light Compact Carbon, 400mm
  • Stem: FSA SL-K, 120mm
  • Tape/grips: FSA Ultracork
  • Pedals: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100
  • Saddle: Fizik Arione
  • Seatpost: Bianchi Oltre Full Carbon Aero
  • Bottle cages: Tacx Deva
  • Computer: Pioneer Cyclocomputer SGX-CA500

Critical measurements

  • Rider weight: 58kg
  • Rider height: 1.8m
  • Saddle height from bottom bracket (c-t): 730mm
  • Tip of saddle nose to handlebars (at stem): 570mm
  • Total bicycle weight: 7.44kg (with empty bottles)