Lotto NL-Jumbo is the second team in the World Tour whose name sponsor is a lottery, the other being Lotto Soudal. The team is sponsored by the Dutch Lottery, along with co-sponsor Jumbo, a supermarket chain. Bianchi bicycles was founded in Italy in 1885, and the brand’s Celeste paint color is recognized worldwide. For 2017, the team’s go to bike is the Oltre XR4, the replacement for last year’s XR2. This example of the XR4 is piloted by Robert Gesink aka “The Condor of Varsseveld”. Robert’s palmarès is stacked with top results, including Grand Tour stage wins, and overall wins at events like the 2012 Tour of California.
Click on through for more of Robert Gesink’s Bianchi Oltre XR4…
Bianchi have made many aerodynamic improvements to the Oltre XR4; the frame is more aggressively profiled than its predecessor.
The wedge-style seatpost clamp securely holds the aerodynamic carbon seatpost in place, and helps keep this area of the bike smooth and clean.
Tube shapes are a little deeper around the fork and downtube of the XR4 versus its predecessor.
The above photo doesn’t show the hourglass headtube so well, but the streamlined shape of the headtube is designed to help cut the air a little cleaner. Brake and electronic Di2 derailleur cables are routed into the frame through the headtube.
The Vision Metro 5D Aero handlebar was fitted to most of the team’s bikes at the Tour Down Under. Shimano remain as component supplier for 2017, with the company’s Dura-Ace Di2 electronic 9070 drivetrain serving duty on all of the team’s bikes. the latest generation Di2 9150 groupsets are trickling out to World Tour teams during February 2017.
Vision claim the Metron 5D integrated handlebar is one of the stiffest and most aero integrated handlebar and stem systems available.
Brake cables and electronic Di2 cables are discreetly routed inside the Metro bar – the Di2 Junction A box is also hidden behind the integrated computer mount.
The 5D is available to consumers in four sizes with a compact 125mm drop, and a claimed weight of 395 grams for the smallest size.
Along with improved aerodynamics, the Oltre XR4 includes Bianchi’s vibration-cancelling Countervail technology for a more comfortable ride over long distances.
Pioneer supply the team’s power measuring technology.
Pioneer’s left side measurement device resides discreetly on the backside of the non-drive crank.
Robert Gesink prefers 175mm cranks.
Dura-Ace 9000 series pedals.
The Shimano Di2 9070 11-speed rear derailleur is soon to be retired to the archives.
Dura-Ace 9000 series direct-mount brakes are standard fare on the Oltre XR4.
Shimano’s direct-mount brakes offer plenty of stopping power and improve aerodynamics a smidge.
Along with FSA (Full Speed Ahead), Brand Loyalty returns as a minor sponsor for 2017. They are a large marketing firm with several marketing agencies under its umbrella.
Vittoria remains as a tire supplier for 2017 with the Corsa in 700c x 25mm, which is the adopted standard size among World Tour teams.
There are plenty of adjustment options on Bianchi’s aerodynamic, carbon seatpost.
Robert chooses the San Marco Aspide Carbon FX saddle.
Article and photos by Gravel Cyclist. Jayson O’Mahoney is the Gravel Cyclist: A website about the Gravel Cycling Experience.
