Wednesday, 19 February 2025
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Bianchi offers robust retort after reliability claim following Paris-Roubaix

Bianchi has pushed back in a public discussion about the reliability of the bicycles it supplied to the Team Arkea-B&B Hotels, following comments after Paris-Roubaix by rider Florian Sénéchal.

After a discussion with the team and examining the specifics of why Sénéchal had to swap his bike numerous times during the race, due to handlebar issues, Bianchi made a number of points in a widely circulated press statement, probably the central point was about the actions of the team’s technical staff. It said: “Following discussions between Bianchi and the technical staff of the team, it emerged that the specific instructions provided by Bianchi for assembling the handlebars of bikes were disregarded in some cases, causing disparities in the handling of the bicycles in competition.”

Bianchi also highlighted that all its frames and components have passed their validation test protocols in accordance with the ISO 4210-5 standard (which certifies their suitability for use in safety by customers and by pro athletes equipped by Bianchi).

The cobblestone nature of the Spring Classics was accounted for too, Bianchi said, with the Arkea B&B Hotels organisation carrying out several tests that validated the use of both the Bianchi Specialisima RC and Oltre RC models.

“The numerous pre-race tests and the continuous use in competition of the Bianchi RC models by Team Arkea-B&B Hotels in the Northern classics, including Luca Mozzato’s second place at the Tour of Flanders on the Oltre RC, demonstrate the total efficiency and effectiveness of the Bianchi Reparto Corse models, even in very high-stress races.”

After the robust response, Bianchi said it “considers the safety of its customers and professional athletes to be of paramount importance”.

“The company constantly invests not only in research and development but also in laboratory and road testing activities which guarantee the use of its products in total safety.

“Bianchi reiterates its support for Team Arkea B&B Hotels with renewed positivity, looking forward to the upcoming important events of the season with the aim of taking more victories and consolidating the top ten position in the UCI WorldTour rankings.”

PICTURED TOP: Luca Mozzato in action during the Tour of Flanders (Credit: Getty Images)