A Tribute on Two Wheels: Bianchi's Special Edition Oltre RC Honors Marco Pantani's 1998 Victories

Summer of 1998 remains etched in the annals of cycling as the season when Marco Pantani, also known as IL Pirata, along with Bianchi, orchestrated some of the most memorable performances in stage racing. His victories at both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France were phenomenal, a distinction shared by only seven cyclists in history. These triumphs not only cemented Pantani’s status in the world of cycling but also in the hearts of the Italian people.Marking the 25th anniversary of Pantani’s extraordinary double Giro-Tour victory, Bianchi has crafted an exceptional commemorative edition of the Bianchi Oltre RC for 2023. This isn’t merely a bike; it’s a homage to a legend. The Bianchi Oltre RC echoes the design of the iconic 1998 Bianchi MegaPro XL that Pantani rode to glory. From the paint scheme to the Bianchi eagle head badge, every detail of the Oltre RC is a nod to that historic bike.The Oltre RC isn’t just about nostalgia; it represents the zenith of modern performance racing. It boasts a frame that’s as lightweight as it is rigid, making no compromises on speed and efficiency. Equipped with the top-tier Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, Princeton Carbonworks wheels, and an SRM crank for power measurement, the Oltre RC is built for those who demand the best, much like the champion it honors.This bike is more than a means to commemorate Pantani’s legacy; it’s an invitation to own a piece of history. For Bianchi enthusiasts and cycling purists alike, the 2023 Bianchi Oltre RC is a fitting tribute to a monumental feat, a celebration of a legend’s spirit, and a testament to the timeless bond between rider and machine.