Continental Unveils the Archetype: A Revolutionary 30mm Tire for UAE Team Emirates-XRG Ahead of Tour de France

Continental has just unveiled the Archetype tyre, timed perfectly ahead of the Tour de France. This tyre is aimed at helping Tadej Pogačar and the UAE Team Emirates XRG, favorites to win.

The Archetype is a limited edition tyre, available for a price of £94.99 / $103.90 / €105.95. It uniquely comes in a 30mm width, a change from the traditional 23mm tyres pros used to ride. The team’s Colnago V5Rs bikes can fit tyres up to 32mm, so there’s still some flexibility.

One standout feature is that the Archetype is tubeless-ready and designed for hookless rims, like those on their Enve wheels. It supports a pressure range of 65 to 73 psi, which is notably higher than what was common in racing just a few years ago.

Weighing in at just 275g, the Archetype is lighter than the Grand Prix 5000 S TR by 35g. To maintain performance, Continental recommends a minimum of 30ml of sealant per tyre, which keeps added weight minimal.

Historically, pros have used the GP5000 TT TR on road stages. Although it’s available in widths of 25mm and 28mm, the latter weighs only 240g. Additionally, UAE Team Emirates XRG has access to the Continental Aero 111 front tyre, known for its aerodynamic design with vortex generators. This tyre comes in 26mm and 29mm widths, with a claimed weight of 280g for the larger size.

All of Continental’s latest technology is packed into the Archetype. It features BlackChili rubber for better grip, LazerGrip microprofile for cornering stability, and Active Comfort Tech for a smoother ride.

Interestingly, there’s been a recent push for wider tyres in cycling, as they not only provide speed but also enhance safety. Experts suggest that forcing professional cyclists to revert to narrower tyres seems counterproductive, especially with regulations like the proposed UCI rule that would limit development to a maximum tyre width of 28mm. Should this rule take effect, it could limit the team’s options, even as wider tyres become the norm for better performance on the road.

Overall, the Archetype represents a shift in cycling technology, merging performance with innovative design. It will be exciting to see how it performs in the Tour de France and impacts the cycling world. For more detailed information on cycling advancements and tyre technology, you can check out resources from [CyclingTips](https://www.cyclingtips.com).

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