A tire pressure management system will be used by Team DSM at Paris-Roubaix

The UCI has officially authorized a new technology that allows riders to adjust tire pressure from the cockpit. The Scope Atmoz system will thus be used by Team DSM riders at Paris-Roubaix 2022.

Images: scopecycling.com

The Dutch brand Scope developed this technology in collaboration with Team DSM, to be able to adjust tire pressure during the race, by inflating or deflating the tires using a reservoir placed in the wheel hub, connected to a valve and a hose to the rim and tubeless tire. With a wireless control in the cockpit, the rider can choose the desired pressure according to the circumstances, thanks to a display on the bike computer. A system that makes perfect sense on an event like Paris-Roubaix, with its 54.8 km of cobbles spread over 30 sectors.

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The UCI press release published on Monday, April 11 states: “Authorized in accordance with article 1.3.004 of the UCI regulations, the tire pressure management system is controlled by buttons on the handlebars and uses mechanical valves to regulate the airflow between the air reservoir and the tubeless tire. The system does not alter the structural integrity of the wheelset and contains no moving parts or compressor.”

According to the Scope brand, this system has a double advantage on Paris-Roubaix: allowing the pressure to be lowered on the most difficult cobbled sectors to maintain comfort and traction for the rider, and saving watts on rolling sections, by increasing the pressure. “Up to 30 watts reduction in rolling resistance”, according to the brand.

To be validated by the UCI and used in professional races, the system must be available for sale to all interested practitioners. Scope offers its Atmoz concept for sale at a price of €3,998 on its website and it can be installed on any 29” or 700c wheel.

Paris-Roubaix has often been the scene of more or less lasting innovations for over 30 years. We will see if this tire pressure adjustment system offers a strategic advantage in the 2022 edition of the event.

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