Thibaut Pinot spotted with a new unreleased Lapierre at the Giro d'Italia
Thibaut Pinot appears to be riding what we suspect to be a new, custom painted Lapierre Aircode at the Giro d'Italia
Thibaut Pinot's FDJ team bike at the Giro d'Italia would be appear to be a new model from the French brand Lapierre.
The likelihood is that the new bike is the Lapierre Aircode 2, which appeared on the UCI's approved frames list on the March 21, 2017.
The Lapierre Aircode is the French company's aero bike and sits along side the lightweight Xelius model, which Pinot has favoured in the past.
In addition to being a new frame model, Pinot's Lapierre has a custom blue and white paint job that has also featured on his Lapierre Xelius team bike.
The paint job is rather unique, with blue and white and white geometric patterns layered upon each other. Close inspection of the seatpost suggests there is some kind of rubber insert, probably to increase compliance.
The top tube, seat tube junction is radically different too, with a triangular profile reminiscent of some modern time trial bikes.
The geometric pattern certainly stands out from the crowd and has colour coordinated Elite bottle cages. Unfortunately the paintjob makes it difficult to properly see the shape of the new bike.
Watch: Giro d'Italia preview - stages 1-9
The cockpit doesn't appear too radical, lacking the heavy integration of bikes like the Trek Madone and S-Works Venge ViAS. Instead there is a direct mount front brake and standard bar and stem combo. Pinot is running a 125mm Pro Vibe Stem.
Riding for a Shimano sponsored team, Pinot's bike is fitted with the latest Dura-Ace R9150 Di2 groupset and Dura-Ace wheels a C-60 on the rear and a C-40 on the front on this occassion. Interestingly, Pinot is using a SRM power meter rather than Shimano's own power meter.
Pinot's chainrings are 54-42t although we suspect these will be swapped when the Giro d'Italia enters the mountains.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Oliver Bridgewood - no, Doctor Oliver Bridgewood - is a PhD Chemist who discovered a love of cycling. He enjoys racing time trials, hill climbs, road races and criteriums. During his time at Cycling Weekly, he worked predominantly within the tech team, also utilising his science background to produce insightful fitness articles, before moving to an entirely video-focused role heading up the Cycling Weekly YouTube channel, where his feature-length documentary 'Project 49' was his crowning glory.
-
First images of Tadej Pogačar's rainbow jersey revealed - and he's set for white shorts
New kit from Pissei released ahead of Slovenian's first race as world champion at Saturday's Giro dell'Emilia
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘I am in love with Unbound Gravel’ - new documentary celebrates three unsung and behind-the-scenes heroes of race
Shimano's new documentary 'Unsung' shares the stories of three "behind-the-scenes" people who make Unbound Gravel happen each year: a sports photographer, a bike mechanic, and an event organizer.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Shimano and Groupama-FDJ celebrate 25 years of partnership, Shimano's longest in the WorldTour
Japanese component brand extends sponsorship of Marc Madiot's team
By Simon Smythe Published
-
Pro bike: Chris Lawless' Team Ineos Pinarello F12
Rim brakes and clinchers or tubulars for the British Tour de Yorkshire champion
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan Published
-
Pro bike: Dan Bigham's Ribble SL R
We take a look at the Huub Wattbike rider's 2020 rig
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan Published
-
Pro bike: Esteban Chaves’s Giro stage 19-winning Scott Addict RC
A look at the Colombian climber’s bike from the Giro d’Italia
By Paul Norman Published
-
11 ways the pros modify their bikes for Paris-Roubaix
There's more to do than fit 28mm tyres when riding the cobbles, and professional riders and mechanics have plenty of tricks to improve comfort on the pavé.
By Richard Windsor Published
-
Peter Sagan riding Specialized Allez Sprint bike in the Tour Down Under Classic
An alloy machine with disc brakes and clincher tyres – whatever next?
By Paul Norman Published
-
Geraint Thomas's Tour de France-winning Pinarello Dogma F10 X-Light
Up close and personal with homegrown hero Geraint Thomas's yellow Pinarello
By Simon Smythe Published
-
Pro bike: U23 cyclocross world champion Eli Iserbyt’s Ridley X-Night SL
Glossy black paintwork for the Marlux-Bingoal rider
By Paul Norman Published