PANTANI ALPE D’HUEZ, 1997

Made from Easton Elite Taperwall 7005-series aluminium, some of the most advanced aluminium alloy of its day, this bike may well have been one of the lightest on the 1997 Tour de France start line. By the time Marco Pantani reached the top of Alpe d’huez on Stage 13, it was most definitely the fastest.

‘Marco climbed Alpe d’huez in 37 minutes and 35 seconds, which is still the record for the climb,’ says Gastaldello. ‘It was a very good time for Wilier, a big boost to our growth in international markets because everyone was watching this stage and this guy and looking at this bike. The frame weighed 1,200g and was one of the first Tig-welded frames – before us was only Cannondale.’

Pantani fans will recognise the Il Pirata cartoon on the frame and custom-embroidered on the saddle, but there are other subtle touches specific to the Italian climber. First, an analogue indicator set in-line of the cable housing displayed gear selection using cable movement to push a needle, visible through a plastic window a bit like a pressure gauge. Second, the wheels pushed some serious boundaries.

‘For a while Selle Italia made special lightweight wheels in collaboration with a company called ACI that makes spokes and hubs, and Ambrosio, which makes rims. The spokes are very thin, 1.2mm [2mm was more common in 1997], so thin they would break under heavier riders. But for Pantani, no problem. It might seem normal now, but these wheels were under 1,500g and had 32 spokes each.’