Sep Vanmarcke’s custom painted Bianchi Infinito CV for Tour of Flanders

LottoNL-Jumbo’s Sep Vanmarcke will be easier to spot in the Tour of Flanders race on Sunday, as he’ll be riding a custom painted Bianchi Infinito CV with a “worn out and aggressive look” paint finish substituting the usual celeste, and his name emblazoned across the head tube.

The odd brushed metal look certainly gives the carbon fibre Infinito CV the appearance of a metal bike.  Bianchi has added “Less fatigue, more control” across the top tube, a reference to the special carbon fibre layup, Countervail, that the Infinito CV features to dampen vibrations. You can read my review of the Infinito CV here.

This vibration damping is a desirable attribute in a bike designed for racing over cobbles and rough roads, because if a rider is less tired and fatigued from riding over cobbles, the more chance they have the freshness to go with the deciding break or move towards the pointy end of the race. It's why Pinarello has just unveiled its new Dogma K8-S today. 

The 26-year-old Belgian professional will be a force to be reckoned with in Tour of Flanders, having finished 3rd in 2014 and a best result of 2nd in Paris-Roubaix in 2013, and he feels this year he is strong enough to win the race.

“It’s only normal that there is pressure, I put myself under pressure, as well,” said Vanmarcke. “Already since last year, I feel that I can win this race.

“I have no fear, although some of my rivals seem to be in a very good shape. Tom Boonen and Fabian Cancellara are out, but there are many other contenders left. Geraint Thomas is the first who comes to mind. He is a very dangerous opponent.

The frame is fitted with the usual Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset and Pioneer power meter, with ride Dura-Ace C50 carbon fibre wheels and Vittoria tubular tyres.

Vanmarcke will race this bike at Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.