Team Polti Kometa and Vittoria narrate their “supple” transition from tubular to tubeless tires
July marks a turning point in the season for Team Polti Kometa, with the Bormio training camp also serving as a mid-season evaluation. One focus is on the tires mounted on the AURUM bikes: the Vittoria Corsa PRO range (including also PRO Speed and PRO Control, respectively for time trials and extreme conditions) that is leading the team in the transition from tubular to tubeless this year.
This represents a crucial step in the evolution of cycling tires. Borrowed from the gravel world, tubeless technology is increasingly gaining ground in road cycling thanks to its numerous advantages, particularly in reducing punctures and the complications associated with tubulars.
A peculiar feature of the Corsa PRO is primarily its cotton casing, an excellence in terms of speed, grip, comfort, and suppleness. The latter is the key word: suppleness is the magic touch for the typical Vittoria feeling, which allows the cyclist to better control the bike and conserve energy for the final sprint.
Additionally, the seamless process improves aerodynamics and optimizes the Tubeless Ready construction. This construction and the cotton vulcanization take place in the brand new carbon neutral factory in Thailand: a unique facility where energy and production techniques are used according to the most advanced sustainability criteria.
“We work hard to continuously improve performance and safety,” explains Tommaso Cappella, product manager at Vittoria. “In recent years we took part to the growing use of tubeless tires, combining them with the performance of the cotton casing and the best materials. The seamless vulcanized construction of the Corsa PRO is optimized for Tubeless Ready tires and is the result of our daily collaboration with ProTeams like Polti Kometa, whose feedback from riders and mechanics best supports our Research & Development department.”
Regarding feedback from Polti Kometa athletes and staff, here are a couple of particularly significant statements.
Representing his teammates, captain Mirco Maestri: “The transition from tubular to tubeless is a very important step; we now regularly use the 30 mm Vittoria Corsa PRO and have noticed a significant improvement in terms of general smoothness as well as safety in wet conditions. Each of us riders has been able to understand and set the pressure that best suits our characteristics and, feeling more secure on any terrain, we can stay more focused to express ourselves and pursue our goals.”
Head mechanic Ivan Moya: “It has been a transition that pleasantly surprised us because the adaptation was very quick. The comments of the riders indicate that the number of punctures is lower compared to tubulars, with clear benefits in terms of confidence and safety even in difficult conditions or downhill. This is thanks to the lower pressure and greater width compared to tubulars. Any doubts and concerns about using tubeless have been dispelled by an entirely positive experience.”
