Racing Rubber: How Tour de France Teams Trust Continental Tires
Continental’s tire plant in Korbach, Hesse, Germany, supplied more than 1,000 road bike tires to six teams for the 113th Tour de France. From July 4–26, riders from:
- Groupama‑FDJ United
- UAE Team Emirates – XRG
- Movistar Team
- Bahrain‑Victorious
- Decathlon CMA CGM
- Uno‑X Mobility
traversed 3,333 km across 21 stages—all powered by German‑made Continental tires. The race opened in Barcelona and concluded on Paris’s Champs‑Élysées.
Tire Lineup Tailored to Stage Demands
| Model | Purpose | Key Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Prix 5000 S TR | Workhorse for general use | 250–365 g, balanced weight & puncture protection |
| Grand Prix 5000 AS TR | All‑season, wet weather grip | Extra traction in rain |
| Grand Prix 5000 TT TR | Time trials | Ultra‑light, minimal rolling resistance |
| Aero 111 | Windy stages | Aerodynamic tread shape to cut turbulence |
All models are tubeless‑ready with a built‑in sealant that automatically patches small punctures on the move.
Riders Trust Continental
“We have to focus on our legs, not the road,” says Movistar rider Pelayo Sánchez.
In a race where a single second can decide victory, tire reliability is critical.
The same advanced rubber compounds and puncture‑protection layers that protect professionals are available to everyday cyclists, offering high performance for recreational riders as well.
Research & Development Loop
Continental blends lab data—rolling resistance, grip, durability—with real‑world racing insights from the Tour. Developing a road bike tire is a juggling act: lighter weight, higher grip, lower rolling resistance, and strong puncture protection all compete. Continental resolves these conflicts by fine‑tuning:
- Rubber mix
- Polymer fillers
- Reinforcing layers under the tread
The result is a tire that remains true under heat, rain, or cold while delivering the speed and safety required on the world’s biggest cycling stage.
