This Sunday, Marianne Vos won the UCI Gravel World Cup, beating Lotte Kopecky in a thrilling sprint finish with the help of an innovative technology: self-inflating tires with a kinetic compressor. This system, developed by Dutch company Gravaa, allows tire pressure to be adjusted during the race to optimize performance according to the conditions of the terrain, giving Vos a clear advantage in those final meters where any help is welcome and in a competition characterized by mixed surfaces. Cycling continues to advance on and off the road.
Gravaa’s self-inflating tire system is capable of modifying pressure on the fly, using a kinetic compressor that works from the rotation of the wheel. This allows riders to adapt their settings in real time: more grip and resistance when riding on rough terrain and, once the terrain softens, increase pressure to gain speed on surfaces such as asphalt.
The device, electronically controlled by handlebar-mounted buttons, offers a versatility not previously seen in professional cycling. Vos, along with other riders from her Visma team, used this technological advantage to maximize their performance in every section of the race, and this was especially crucial in the final sprint, where the Dutchwoman managed to prevail over Kopecky.
This technology is not entirely new, having debuted in the WorldTour in 2022, but it has found its best venue in gravel racing, where the variability of the terrain demands continuous adaptation. The success of Vos has shown that technological innovation is increasingly a key factor in sporting performance, allowing cyclists to go beyond the traditional limits of their equipment. In addition to individual performance, such advances develop cycling as a whole, providing new opportunities for riders and teams to optimize their race strategies.
4,000 EUROS IN WHEELS
The ability to adjust tire pressure without stopping is an example of how technology continues to challenge and redefine human capabilities in the sport. With an estimated price tag of €4,000, this self-inflating tire system represents a considerable investment, but with victories like Vos’, it is clear that the relationship between technology and performance in cycling is reaching new heights. This innovation could be a standard in future competitions, marking a before and after in cycling equipment.
Technology continues to take center stage in the transformation of cycling, optimizing rider performance and improving safety. From this breakthrough in tires to power meters for adapting race strategies in real time to bike aerodynamics, friction-reducing suits…. The combination of small technological improvements can make the difference between winning and losing.
