In an exclusive email to Cycling News, the UCI confirmed that the air deflectors introduced on Bianchi's Oltre RC last week were not part of the homologation process.

Last week, esteemed Italian bicycle manufacturer Bianchi caused a stir when it unveiled the Oltre RC, a wild-looking aero race bike equipped with what it describes as "F1-inspired air deflectors" on either side of the head tube.

According to Bianchi, the deflectors channel airflow around the head tube. It works with the equally wild-looking Reparto Corse integrated handlebar to create a low-pressure zone behind the stem and in front of the rider's legs, reducing aerodynamic drag.

However, Bianchi did not intend to use them in UCI races, and when the bikes were submitted to and approved by the UCI, the deflectors were not installed.

"The Bianchi Oltre RC was presented and homologated without the so-called deflectors. The use of this part is therefore not possible outside of UCI sanctioned events."

Deflectors appear to conflict with UCI Technical Regulation 1.2.034:

"Protective screens, fuselages, fairings or other devices added to or mixed with the structure, which have the effect of reducing or lessening the resistance to air penetration, are Prohibited. Aerodynamic assemblies or protrusions on the head tube or elsewhere are prohibited.

A closer look at the Oltre RC shows that the deflectors are removable, and while the deflectors themselves are illegal, the UCI has confirmed to Cycling News that the Bianchi Oltre RC is legal without them.

At the bike's launch, Bianchi claimed that the Oltre RC saves 17.1 watts over the conventional Oltre XR4 at 50 km/h and can save 45 seconds over a 40 km distance when running at 250 watts. Curiously, Bianchi also suggested that the Oltre offers a whopping 30% advantage over the best aerobike on the market.

These claims relate to bikes sold with deflectors installed. There is no information on how the aerodynamic performance of the bike is maintained when the deflectors are removed.

No men's or women's WorldTour teams will ride Bianchi bikes in the 2022 season. Bianchi previously signed a one-year contract with Team BikeExchange for the 2021 season, and prior to that it was affiliated with Jumbo Visma. However, when this contract ended, BikeExchanged switched to Giant Bikes, leaving the Italian brand unrepresented.

It is unconfirmed whether Bianchi plans to return to the top team in 2023.