Hutchinson Road Tubeless Intensive Perform at Paris-Roubaix
April 23rd, 2009The 107th edition of this mythical race was held Easter Sunday. 259 kilometers over cobblestones and rutted roads.
PARIS-ROUBAIX is a race that challenges spectators and riders alike. Française des Jeux upped the ante this year by taking on another challenge; starting the race on Road Tubeless Intensive clincher tires.
Martial Gayant, Director Sportif of the Française des Jeux team explained why he decided to let his riders race on clinchers. “After our reconnaissance of the course days before the race, we found that the Road Tubeless Intensive clinchers offered a smooth ride on the flat pavé without punctures or rider fatigue.
This is a first in the world of professional bicycle racing; all eight riders of the Française des Jeux team racing on clincher tires in a major cycling event.
Wesley SULZBERGER, Française des Jeux rider related, “a few days before the race, we made a reconnaissance of the race course equipped with Intensive Road Tubeless, the cobblestones were wet, yet the tires performed well. The day of the race, the pavé was dry and again the performance we needed from the tires was there. The grip was good and I didn’t have one flat. It’s a tire that is truly suited to this type of course”
The Intensive is a tire designed as a training, racing and long distance urban riding tire. This version was a slick treaded competitive version with carbon fiber beads that assure that the tire will stay mounted if flatted.
The Française des Jeux riders at Paris-Roubaix were equipped with prototype tires. The 700c x 25mm version that is now available delivers longevity, comfort and safety for cyclists that demand this type of performance.
Norbert Gangloff, responsible for product innovation and team equipment relations followed the race from inside the Française des Jeux team. The results of 2009 Paris-Roubaix were the culmination of six years of work on Road Tubeless. The tires performed as anticipated in this most demanding race. “The race highlighted the performance of Road Tubeless Intensive on the asphalt and comfort on the cobbles.
Tom Boonen won the Paris-Roubaix in 6 hours and 15 minutes.
Frédéric Guesdon of Française des Jeux was the 2nd French rider in 13th place on his Intensive Road Tubeless. The team performed well with five finishers. Thanks to all on the Française des Jeux team for their confidence in Hutchinson during this challenge. “The race was memorable and indescribable,” added Norbert Gangloff.
