Bianchi releases official partnership bike of the Tour de France

In a partnership between one of the most recognised brands in cycling, and the world's biggest, race Bianchi have released the new Oltre RC Tour de France Limited Edition - the official bike of this year’s Tour de France.

The new offering comes 70 years after the Italian brand produced the first ever bike dedicated to the Tour de France, a celebratory model in honour of Fausto Coppi’s victory at the race in 1952.

Anyone wanting the new bike will have to be quick as only 176 models have been released. That number reflects the number of cyclists who will start the 2023 Tour de France on July 1 in Bilbao and Bianchi have redesigned their flagship aero model to “embrace the prestige and charm of the World's greatest stage race”.

There are no changes to the bike itself which was first released in 2022 and garnered attention due to its 'Air Deflector' technology which is designed to channel airflow around the head tube, reducing drag. It wasn’t a popular hit with cycling’s governing body who banned it from UCI races, although a version of the bike without the technology has since been UCI approved.

There’s no need to dispense of it here, though, and the limited-edition Oltre RC benefits from the aero-enhancing tech. Further performance is provided by Shimano’s top tier Di2 groupset and their RC50 front and RC65 rear wheels, designed by Bianchi’s in-house Reparto Corse team.

A modern bike wouldn’t be complete without some weight shedding and it boasts one of the lightest saddles currently available, the Reparto Corse RC139 Carbon which tips the scales at only 145g.

The Tour de France elements are introduced through a specially designed colour scheme. Bianchi have resisted a yellow-heavy design and everyone will be relieved to know that their traditional celeste colour scheme is at the forefront. It’s joined by yellow and gold lettering plus metallic and iridescent effects. Each bike is also hand-painted in Italy.

In a further nod to cycling’s biggest race, and stamp-marking it as the official bike, the Tour de France’s logo is positioned at the top of the right seat tube.

The Tour de France’s official bike packs a punch in terms of cost, setting any prospective buyers back €15,000, although it does also come with an exclusive box packed with extras, including but not limited to a welcome letter signed by Bianchi's CEO, plus a book showcasing all aspects of the Oltre RC Tour de France Limited Edition. Owners will also receive Reparto Corse-branded wheel bags and a saddle cover.