Hutchinson, the esteemed French tyre manufacturer with over 130 years of engineering expertise, has unveiled its latest advancements in gravel cycling with the introduction of the Touareg Race and Touareg Race GS tyres. These new additions are designed to offer unparalleled versatility, catering to the diverse demands of gravel racing enthusiasts.
Touareg Race: A Fusion of Speed and Durability
The Touareg Race tyre is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of elite gravel racing. It integrates the innovative Mach Tread 3.0 compound, delivering a 25% increase in rebound and a 10% enhancement in tear resistance. This advancement minimises energy loss while ensuring the tyre withstands the harshest conditions. The SwiftEasy casing reduces weight and features enhanced flexibility, lowering rolling resistance and creating an efficient, race-ready tyre that weighs from just 480g. (cyclingweekly.com)
Performance testing highlights that the Touareg Race delivers a measurable increase, being 35% more efficient than the previous Hardskin version. The Touareg Race DNA balances three critical performance factors: low rolling resistance, controlled casing deformation for stability, and confident grip for aggressive racing. (cyclingweekly.com)
For riders seeking a versatile setup, pairing a Touareg Race front tyre with a Caracal Race rear delivers the performance needed for 90% of gravel racing conditions. The Touareg Race provides grip and precise control at the front, while the Caracal Race maximises speed and efficiency at the rear. (cyclingweekly.com)
Gridskin Technology: Enhanced Protection
Hutchinson continues to advance the industry with Gridskin, a proven reinforcement technology already used across its road range, now introduced for the first time in their performance gravel race tyres. The Gridskin knitted mesh reinforcement layer provides targeted protection to the tyre sidewall, isolating cut and tear damage and helping to prevent race-ending punctures with minimal impact on rolling resistance or weight. (cycling.hutchinson.com)
Designed to be selected as a high-performance option on rougher, rockier conditions where durability is as important as speed, Gridskin technology will be available on the Touareg Race GS and Caracal Race GS, delivering enhanced protection when riders need it most. (cycling.hutchinson.com)
Modern, Wider Profiles
Acknowledging the trend towards higher-volume tyres, Hutchinson has developed 50mm width versions across the range of new tyres, specifically designed to meet and exceed the demands of modern gravel racers. This expansion also includes the ultra-fast Caracal Race, which will be available in a 50mm version for the first time. (cycling.hutchinson.com)
All of Hutchinson’s performance gravel tyres are tubeless-ready, designed for compatibility with today’s wider internal rim widths, and available now through Hutchinson dealers worldwide.
Pricing
- Touareg Race: €59.89 | £54.99
- Touareg Race GS: €64.89 | £59.99
- Caracal Race GS: €64.89 | £59.99
For more information and to explore the full range, visit Hutchinson’s official website.