Dan Martin's new limited edition 'Celtic Panda' Tarmac bike for Liège–Bastogne–Liège has some very nice Irish touches.
Having been chased up the road by a fan dressed as a giant panda in the closing stages of the 2013 Liège–Bastogne–Liège which he won, Dan Martin has since been associated with the bear.
He has even been an ambassador for the World Wide Fund for Nature as a result of the incident.
And bike giant Specialized has decided to mark the humorous and unusual link between rider and animal with a special ‘Celtic Panda’ bike for him for the 2016 edition of the race this Sunday.
The 29-year-old Irish international goes into the event as one of the hot favourites based on his past form in the race and also on his 3rd place in Fléche Wallone on Wednesday.
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There are some really nice touches to Dan Martin's new rothar.
Specialized describe the ‘Emerald Panda’, as a limited edition Tarmac. And it has a very definite Irish twist.
“As a tribute to Ireland, often known as the Emerald Isle, the bike's base colour of white has a special green pearl topcoat which, depending on the light, adds an emerald highlight to the frame's shape,” the company said.
“In addition to this, there are four-leaf clovers, which are considered lucky, with small bands of Ireland's flag colours to denote Dan's previous national championship wins.
“Finally, the Panda adorns the top tube to celebrate his love for the peaceful furry giant.”
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For his part, Ireland's Martin said he was delighted with the new bike for Sunday's race.
"I really like the design of the bike. It's cool; the paint job is subtle but perfect,” he said.
“I was a bit surprised when I learned Specialized was making this bike, but now I am happy because it just brings me good memories.
“I am sure that during the entire race on Sunday I'll be thinking of when I won. This time it'll be me chasing the Panda.”
And Specialized also released this clip, with panda, of Martin in its win tunnel facility.
Getting panda mugged in the wind tunnel!
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