This month, tire giant Pirelli began producing P Zero Race bicycle tires at its new plant in Bollate, Italy, near Pirelli's headquarters. According to Pirelli, it is "the only 'Made in Italy' bike tire factory on an industrial scale." ”
The plant was founded in 1962 and has recently been modernized to produce Pirelli's top-of-the-line tires – including bicycle tires. The opening of the plant also coincides with Pirelli's 150th anniversary. While the plant is already producing some tires, the entire project is not expected to be completed until early 2023.
According to the Pirelli Press Office, the Bollate plant has state-of-the-art automation equipment and draws on Pirelli's extensive experience in developing ultra-high-performance automotive tires. Every tire produced by this technology has "extremely high geometric precision", which is a more important factor for bicycle tires because of its small size and light weight.
P Zero Race has contracted with Trek-Segafredo, AG2R Citro n, as well as drivers from Wilier Triestina-Pirelli and Canyon CLLCTV-Pirelli. They also serve the TOUR de France champion UAE team.
Edit: HCY
Image: Pirelli