In the lead-up to the 2026 Paris-Roubaix Femmes, defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot is set to tackle the punishing cobblestone sectors aboard her Cervélo S5, equipped with a distinctive tyre setup. Departing from conventional practices, Ferrand-Prévot’s team, Visma-Lease a Bike, has opted to glue tubeless tyres directly onto the rims—a strategy aimed at enhancing performance on the notoriously treacherous pavé.
The Rationale Behind Gluing Tubeless Tyres
The decision to glue tubeless tyres is rooted in addressing specific challenges posed by the Roubaix cobbles. Team performance equipment head Jenco Drost highlighted that riders experienced air pressure loss due to “burping” when traversing cobbled sectors. Burping occurs when the seal between the rim and tyre is momentarily broken under sudden compressive or lateral forces, leading to brief air escapes and potential pressure drops. This issue was particularly prevalent when running lower pressures, which are typically preferred for better grip on rough terrains.
To mitigate this, the team introduced a flexible glue to secure the tyres firmly to the rims. This approach not only prevents burping but also ensures a reliable seal, allowing sealant to effectively address any minor punctures. This innovation is especially crucial given the absence of the Gravaa Kaps tyre inflation system, which was previously used to adjust tyre pressures mid-race but has been banned for the 2026 season. (cyclinguptodate.com)
Additional Measures for Puncture Prevention
In conjunction with the glued tubeless tyres, Ferrand-Prévot’s setup includes Vittoria Air-Liner tyre inserts. These inserts provide an extra layer of protection against punctures, enhancing the overall durability and reliability of the tyre system. The combination of glued tyres and inserts reflects a strategic approach to tackle the unique demands of the Paris-Roubaix Femmes course, which features 33.7 kilometers of cobblestone sectors—an increase from 29.2 kilometers in 2025. (cyclingnews.com)
Innovations Across the Peloton
Ferrand-Prévot’s tyre configuration is part of a broader trend of technological innovations aimed at improving performance on the cobbles. For instance, Lidl-Trek is set to debut the Odyssey Optis, a ‘double bubble’ safety system designed to prevent punctures and enhance rideability during flats. This system acts both as a bead lock and an impact/pinch flat protector, releasing air into the tubeless tyre if punctured, thereby assisting in emergency inflation. (cyclingnews.com)
Similarly, Ineos Grenadiers are testing a hybrid wireless MTB groupset that combines Shimano Dura-Ace road shifters with a mountain bike-oriented XTR wireless rear derailleur. This setup aims to improve crash resilience and reliability, ensuring consistent shifting performance during the unpredictable conditions of the race. (cyclingnews.com)
Conclusion
As the 2026 Paris-Roubaix Femmes approaches, the integration of glued tubeless tyres into Ferrand-Prévot’s Cervélo S5 exemplifies the peloton’s commitment to innovation in pursuit of victory on the cobbles. This strategic adaptation underscores the evolving nature of cycling technology, where teams continually seek marginal gains to navigate the challenges of the Hell of the North.
Highlights:
- Don’t call it an inner tube: Lidl-Trek to debut innovative ‘double-bubble’ safety system at Paris-Roubaix, Published on Friday, April 10
- Ineos Grenadiers trialling hybrid wireless MTB groupset for Paris-Roubaix, but not for the reason you might expect, Published on Friday, April 10
- What is the widest tyre we’ll see at Paris-Roubaix?, Published on Tuesday, April 07