One of cycling’s most storied brands is back at the highest level. Bianchi, the historic Italian bicycle manufacturer founded in 1885, has returned to the WorldTour as the new bike sponsor of Bahrain Victorious, replacing Merida after a long and successful partnership.
The team will race aboard three Bianchi models: the Oltre RC for aerodynamic road stages, the Specialissima RC for climbing stages, and the Aquila RC for time trials. It is a full-spectrum commitment that puts Bianchi’s latest technology against the very best bikes in professional cycling.
A Brand With Unmatched Heritage
Bianchi holds a unique place in cycling history. As the oldest bicycle manufacturer in continuous operation, the brand has been associated with some of the sport’s most legendary moments and riders. From Fausto Coppi’s iconic victories in the 1940s and 1950s to Marco Pantani’s mountain exploits, Bianchi’s celeste green frames have been a constant presence in cycling’s greatest stories.
The return to the WorldTour is more than just a sponsorship deal — it is a statement of intent from a brand that has spent recent years developing cutting-edge technology outside the top tier of professional racing. Bianchi’s engineers have used that time to refine their designs, and the 2026 range represents the culmination of that development work.
The Bikes
The Oltre RC is Bianchi’s flagship aero road bike, designed to minimize aerodynamic drag at racing speeds. Wind tunnel testing has produced a frame that balances pure speed with the handling precision that professional riders demand in the tight confines of a bunch sprint or a high-speed descent.
The Specialissima RC is the lightweight climbing weapon, built for the mountains where Grand Tours are won and lost. Every gram has been scrutinized, resulting in a frame that is among the lightest in the WorldTour while maintaining the stiffness needed to transfer every watt of a climber’s effort into forward motion.
The Aquila RC completes the lineup as the time trial machine, where aerodynamics are pushed to their absolute limit and rider positioning is optimized for sustained high-power efforts against the clock.
What It Means for the Season
For Bahrain Victorious, the switch to Bianchi brings fresh energy and a narrative that connects the team to cycling’s deep history. For Bianchi, WorldTour exposure provides the ultimate proving ground for their technology and a marketing platform that reaches cycling fans worldwide.
The bike sponsor landscape in 2026 has been one of the most dynamic in recent memory, with several major changes across the peloton. Bianchi’s return adds another compelling storyline to a season that is shaping up to be exceptional both on and off the bike.
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