Tour de France 2025: Kévin Vauquelin's Bianchi Oltre RC with German technology
Kévin Vauquelin relies on German power meter
Kévin Vauquelin from the Arkéa - B&B Hotels team has a choice of two bikes from the bike sponsor: the Oltre RC is a classic aero bike with flat tube shapes and a distinctive steering head, while the Specialissima RC is a lightweight mountain bike with weaker aero performance. Like the majority of the peloton, the Frenchman opted for the faster version.
On the Oltre RC, which TOUR has so far only been able to test in the more affordable version called Oltre Comp, the crankset stands out alongside the futuristic frame. The French team is supplied with parts from component specialist Full Speed Ahead. It contains a power meter from the German manufacturer Power2Max.
Shimano drivetrain for Arkéa - B&B Hotels
For the mountainous section of the 10th stage on the French bank holidays, Vauquelin, who is said to be about to switch to INEOS Grenadiers, chose the 54/40 tooth chainring combination. The 24-year-old combined the set with a Dura-Ace cassette in the 11-34 tooth gradation.
The wheels are slightly flatter than usual - at least at the front. To make the aero specialist, which tends to be heavier, a little lighter, the fork is fitted with the Vision Metron RS with a 45 millimetre rim. The 60 millimetre version is fitted at the rear.
Incidentally, three Arkéa pros dropped out: Raul García, Cristian Rodríguez and Clément Venturini opted for the Specialissima RC at the start in Ennezat. With its own-brand wheels from Bianchi and Shimano's Dura-Ace, we calculated a weight of 6.7 kilograms (without pedals) for the mountain bike.
Vauquelin also relies on Bianchi Oltre RC at Mont Ventoux
As in previous days, the Frenchman, who was in fifth place before the 16th stage, is riding an Oltre RC in a special livery. Bianchi is using it to promote his own customising called "Officine Bianchi". Kevin Vauquelin could also have had the choice and opted for the lighter Specialissima RC. However, the mountain bike is still only used by individual team colleagues.
Translation for Mont Ventoux
The hope of the French cycling fans still rides a crankset from FSA. On the Mont Ventoux in the 54/40-tooth combination. The cassette has a gradation of 11-34 teeth.
Aggressive seating position
In addition to the chic colour scheme, the Selle Italia saddle mounted extremely far forward on Vauquelin's racing bike is striking. This allows the professional from Arkéa - B&B Hotels to adopt a very aggressive riding position.
Julian Schultz
Editor
