Matej Mohorič’s Bianchi Specialissima RC has appeared at the Tour de France Grand Départ in Barcelona with a clear lightweight focus.

The Bahrain Victorious rider’s new race bike also shows that climbing-focused all-rounders still matter at cycling’s biggest race.

Bianchi launched the latest Specialissima in June. The company says it is its lightest road bike ever.

Bianchi also claims the updated model is faster than its predecessor. The changes give Bahrain Victorious another option beside the aero-focused Oltre.

Mohorič, a three-time Tour de France stage winner, may not choose equipment for its appearance. Even so, his Specialissima RC stands out visually.

The updated frame has dropped the previous model’s distinctive “overbite” headtube. It keeps the same geometry as before.

Bianchi Specialissima offers Bahrain Victorious a mountain-stage choice

The 2025 Tour de France underlined the current strength of aero road bikes.

Tadej Pogačar used his Colnago Y1Rs throughout that race. That decision matched a peloton where speeds keep rising.

However, Bahrain Victorious staff said riders can choose freely between the Specialissima and the Oltre.

Mohorič is expected to use the Specialissima on high-mountain stages. That choice reflects the bike’s low claimed weight.

Bianchi claims the new Specialissima frame weighs 750 grams in a 55cm size. That is 40 grams lighter than the 2023 version.

The complete Mohorič bike weighed 6.92kg on the source’s scales. That puts it just above the UCI minimum weight limit.

That figure matters for a bike built for climbing days. It also shows how close modern race bikes sit to regulatory limits.

Lower weight comes with aero updates

The new Specialissima is not only a weight-saving project. Bianchi also claims meaningful aerodynamic gains.

The company says the bike saves 16 watts at 50kph. Much of that improvement comes from the revised fork, according to Bianchi.

The fork is claimed to improve aerodynamic efficiency by 17 percent.

The cockpit has also changed significantly. The Specialissima now uses a gull-wing shape, a design trend appearing on more race bikes.

Bianchi says the new cockpit improves aerodynamics by 25 percent over the previous conventional setup.

Mohorič uses a narrow cockpit measuring 37cm centre-to-centre. That position supports the marginal-gains approach often seen in modern racing.

Mohorič has a history of equipment choices attracting attention. He used a dropper post when he won Milan-San Remo in 2022.

Mohorič’s build mixes pro-only details with familiar trends

The bike’s specification highlights how professional setups mirror consumer trends while staying deeply race-specific.

Mohorič rides Vision Metron 45 RS wheels. His tyres measure up to 33.65mm, reflecting the wider-tyre shift in road racing.

Amateur riders embraced wider tyres for comfort and grip before many professionals moved away from 25mm and 28mm options.

Mohorič’s tyre choice remains firmly performance-led. He uses Continental GP5000 TT tyres, a popular pro road racing option.

Those tyres prioritise outright speed over longevity. That compromise makes more sense with a support car nearby.

The drivetrain is Shimano Dura-Ace Di2. Mohorič uses a 54/40 crankset and an 11-34-tooth cassette.

Those ratios deliver a wide range while retaining unmistakably professional gearing. They suit racing that moves quickly across varied terrain.

He shifts from tilted-in brake levers and additional sprint shifters. The sprint buttons protrude from clean white bar tape.

The white tape adds to the bike’s presentation. It is also easier to justify when mechanics can replace it frequently.

Not every part looks fresh from a display stand. Mohorič’s Dura-Ace R9100 pedals show visible wear.

That detail offers a rare practical reminder. Even at the Tour de France, some proven equipment stays in service.

Overall, the Bianchi Specialissima gives Bahrain Victorious a light, fast alternative to a pure aero bike.

For Mohorič, it could become the preferred choice when the Tour reaches the highest mountains.

For additional reporting, see www.bikeradar.com.