Danilo Di Luca is already thinking about his new bike for the challenges in 2006. Yesterday, the first winner of the ProTour has visited the Bianchi factory in Treviglio to develop the main features of his engine with the staff of the Research and Development department. "I often visit Bianchi because I like to contribute to the study of the new prototypes and the development of the bicycles that already exist," Di Luca said. "The bicycle is my tool of the trade: it must be perfect."
The Italian took a close look at the brand-new 2006 FG Lite in the product department, where the frames are assembled. Then, the "Killer" checked his sizes. "We projected the geometry of Danilo’s FG Lite bicycle at the beginning of the year and we changed it little later to satisfy his requests," Luca Minesso, R&D Manager of Bianchi explained. "We talked about some other changes he would like to make already for the upcoming Giro di Lombardia. In particular, Danilo wants to sit lower on the saddle. The geometry will increase the stiffness of the frame."
Next week, the other riders of Liquigas-Bianchi will be in Treviglio as well to set the team's bikes. Bianchi bicycles are almost tailor-made with specific materials and sizes for each rider - certainly including Magnus Bäckstedt, the "Giant", who is going to attempt to break the derny-paced Hour Record on October 29. Following that event, Bäckstedt will personally test the new time trial D2 Bianchi frame in the wind tunnel.
