Team Jumbo-Visma rides Paris-Roubaix with KAPS technology, thanks to Gravaa and BetCity
During Paris-Roubaix Dylan van Baarle, Christophe Laporte and Edoardo Affini will be using wheels equipped with KAPS technology. This ingenious system, developed by the Eindhoven-based company Gravaa, enables the riders to adjust their tyre pressure during the race to be optimal for each surface throughout the race. The collaboration between Team Jumbo-Visma and Gravaa has been made possible by BetCity, Partner of Victory.
With the financial support of partner BetCity, Team Jumbo-Visma has acquired four unique sets of wheels to increase their chances of victory. The sets are equipped with KAPS: a Kinetic Air Pressure System. Gravaa signed on to do the engineering and supplied the expertise and technical support in preparation for Paris-Roubaix. KAPS enables the rider to continuously adjust the tyre pressure to the surface during the race. This allows for more grip and comfort on cobble-stones and less rolling resistance on harder surfaces. The system not only improves performance but also increases safety.
Jenco Drost, Head of Performance Equipment, has been actively implementing KAPS on behalf of Team Jumbo-Visma. "Last year, after Paris-Roubaix, we contacted Gravaa again - after they had introduced themselves to us. The ball got rolling, and we conducted a first test in December 2022 while participating in the Paris-Roubaix reconnaissance. The results were positive. Although we saw the technical advantages, we also found that KAPS improved the comfort of riding the bike. The riders who used the system had less trouble with their arms after yet another cobbled section."
"Paris-Roubaix, with its extreme course, is a race where riders can take maximum advantage of KAPS"
Gravaa's director and co-owner, Gertjan van Ginderen: "We spent many years developing this technology, and we are happy that the Jumbo-Visma World Tour Team is embracing it now. Tyre pressure is controlled by an advanced mechatronic system fully integrated into the hub of each wheel. The rider can easily increase or decrease the pressure by pressing a button on the wireless control unit installed on the handlebars. The tyre pressure will always stay at this pre-set level. The wheels, bike computer and control unit communicate via Blue-tooth."
Team Jumbo-Visma owns the four-wheel sets, which can be used more frequently in the future. Paris-Roubaix, with its extreme course, is a race where riders can take maximum advantage of KAPS, but the system also offers opportunities on tricky cobbled climbs. "We will soon weigh up every race and every rider", Drost says. "So we are constantly looking for ways to operate smarter."
Team Jumbo-Visma tested the technology during training and in competition earlier this year. The UCI officially gave the green light for its use.
