INTERVIEW
machinery, is our professional kitchen. It’s what allows us to fully unlock the potential of our expertise.
How does your R&D expertise from automotive and motorsport translate to the development and testing cycling tyres? At Pirelli, long before cycling returned to the company’s portfolio, the core areas of tyre development were already shared across all business segments. It’s common practice for technicians, whether they specialise in motorsport, automotive, or motorcycle tyres, to work across different product categories, including cycling. This cross-functional approach applies to every aspect
of research and development, from compound formulation to the proprietary equipment and techniques used in our industrial plants.
How does working with the likes of Lidl Trek, Trek Factory Racing, and more recently, Alpecin Deceunick contribute to the development of new products? This is a key piece of the puzzle in the product development phase - but it’s not enough on its own. Relying solely on feedback from professional athletes could lead to a product that’s perfect for them, but not necessarily enjoyable for the average rider. That’s why we’ve added an internal field-testing department to the equation. Our team of professional testers ride daily - in both controlled environments and on open roads - performing repeatable manoeuvres that simulate a wide range of real-world riding conditions. By combining insights from both professional athletes and our internal testers, we’re able to develop products that meet the needs of elite riders while also delivering a great experience for everyday cyclists.
The launch of the P ZERO Race RS saw the introduction of your first cycling tyre made of FSC-certified natural rubber, and the latest launch of the Cinturato EVO sees your sustainability claims verified by Bureau Veritas. What does it mean to attain these credentials? This progress is the result of a broader company vision and long-term action plan that began years ago. As the cycling division, we’ve been able to execute our part within a relatively short time frame, thanks in large to our dedicated manufacturing plant in Milan–Bollate. Wider-reaching initiatives are also underway across Pirelli’s entire global product portfolio. We firmly believe that sustainability must come with no
compromise to product performance. In other words, the end consumer shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality to choose a more sustainable product - something that, unfortunately, is still common in many product categories today. That’s why Pirelli is focusing on the source: raw materials.
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MVDP before winning stage 2 of this year’s TDF
P-Zero tyres in production
August 2025 | 37
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