Real-world testing

Michelin subjects its tires to real-world testing in competition. Racing remains the best laboratory for testing technological innovations in extreme conditions. And winning provides a powerful incentive for progress.

The Michelin system in action:
Michelin began racing in 1891 with Charles Terront’s victory in one of cycling’s greatest races: the 1200km Paris-Brest-Paris. Finishing in 71 hours and 18 minutes, with nearly a 9-hour lead over second place, Terront proved the advantages of the Michelin demountable tyre.

Then as now, Michelin assigns a development team to each form of racing. Throughout the Tour de France, a Michelin technician, acting as an interface between the riders and engineers, continually analyzes the tyre situation for the teams. Every morning and afternoon, he collects their opinions, advises them on tyre choice and optimal pressure, and answers questions before communicating his analyses to the Michelin development team, which correlates this data for further development. Michelin is the only tyre manufacturer that regards bicycle racing on the same level as MotoGP or Formula 1. This scientific approach to research and development is directly responsible for Michelin’s successes, and for the innovations that eventually appear in consumer tires.

(1/29/2009)
Global and U.S. Team Giant 2009

Giant is pleased to announce the return of international cross-country stars Adam Craig and Oli Beckingsale to its Global Mountain Bike Team. Both aim to follow stellar 2008 seasons, which cumulated in appearances at the Beijing Olympics.

Joining Craig and Beckingsale, from the United States and Great Britain respectively, on Giant's Global team is veteran Australian downhill racer Jared Rando. Craig, 27, repeated as U.S. Cross-Country Champion last season. He also collected his sixth consecutive U.S. Super D title. Consistent international results earned Craig a spot on the U.S. Olympic team at the 2008 Summer Games. "Giant is behind me, and I'm behind them," said Craig. "Any team that has supported me through a six year Super D National Championship streak must be doing something right and I'm looking forward to keeping the fun rolling in 2009."

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