Bianchi Mega-Pro Mercatone Uno 1998

There is some kind of a soft spot in many cycling fans hearts for all things Mercatone Uno related. And it is not hard to find out why. The team was pretty successful, off course, but what makes it truly iconic is the figure of Marco Pantani. It was him who attracted great crowds, previously untouched by this great and cruel sport. His story has often been told and we will not try to repeat it. If you are not familiar with his life, we recommend you watch the documentary "Pantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist"

When Pantani, il Pirata, won the double of the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France in 1998, he was the first Italian to achieve this triumph after Fausto Coppi almost 50 years before. And like Fausto Coppi, he did so on his Bianchi. A very similar model to one we present you here - the Bianchi Mega Pro-L Mercatone Uno.

This Bianchi Mega Pro-L illustrates the typical "Mercatone Uno Paint Scheme" and is fitted with the top Campagnolo Record groupset. In the late 90s, these parts have been well advanced with many titanium and carbon parts and they earned their stripes doing bloody good in competition. And they are still pretty snappy even in these days.
It is a sort of bike which not only captures a little zest of "Il Pirata", but it really delivers and rides how a racing bike should.

It has been checked in our workshop and it is ready to roll.