Tour Tech 2017: Greg van Avermaet's bling-tastic BMC Teammachine SLR01

The special bike belongs to none other than the 2016 Olympic road race champion, and winner of the fastest ever Paris-Roubaix earlier this year, Belgian pro cyclist Greg van Avermaet. Greg will be racing the Tour in support of Richie Porte's GC ambitions, but we wouldn't be surprised to see him in some action of his own on the stages that suit his strengths. 

To mark his Olympic success, his team bike has gold decals across the frame, and his initials also in gold on the top tube. There's also a special gold computer for his SRM power meter, even the seat height marker has been done with a gold pen. It certainly makes it a distinctive bike among the many custom painted bikes in this year's Tour de France. But what do you think, is it too brash or just the right amount of bling?

Underneath the red and gold is the brand new BMC Teammachine SLR01, launched a few weeks ago, and which is lighter, stiffer and more compliant than the previous version. You can read all about it here. It's decked out with Shimano's latest Dura-Ace Di2, save for the previous generation cranks on account of the SRM power meter he prefers to use. The wheels are the new Dura-Ace C60 tubulars shod with Vittoria tyres - the team switched from Continental tyres this season.

There's also a gold Fizik saddle as well. Classy. 

More Tour Tech right here.