Michelin and Lapierre Sign Cross-Country Cycling Partnership Agreement

The tire supply contract signed by Michelin, the world's leading tire manufacturer, and Team Lapierre International, currently one of the most important mountain bike teams, reflects the two partners’ shared vision of sports and constant strategic focus on innovation.In 2012 and 2013, Michelin will be Lapierre’s exclusive supplier of cross-country racing tires.

“We chose Michelin in part because of its commitment to competing at the highest level in all mountain bike disciplines,” said Gilles Lapierre, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cycles Lapierre.“We need partners capable of understanding our requirements and helping us to attain them.The initial tests of the new tires were very conclusive in all conditions of use.”

The partnership will allow Lapierre and Michelin to work together on co-development projects in all mountain bike disciplines.In this way, Michelin will benefit from the expert capabilities of Team Lapierre International’s riders during both test sessions and World Cup races.Michelin development teams will work closely with their counterparts at Lapierre, in particular with Nicolas Vouilloz who is in charge of product testing.The goal will be to provide Lapierre with advanced technologies that deliver the best performance balance in all conditions of use.

Michelin is providing Team Lapierre International with MICHELIN Wild Grip’R2, MICHELIN Wild Race’R2 and Wild Race’R2 Ultimate tires.Their new treads combined with the innovative Gum-X Series rubber compounds will enable the team to get the most out of their bikes throughout the racing season.

The MICHELIN Wild Grip’R2 is the new tire for different types of terrain and use, from cross-country to enduro/all-mountain riding.Thanks to its new Gum-X Series dual compound mixtures and highly innovative tread, it offers superior grip without sacrificing rider output.

The MICHELIN Wild Race’R2 is designed for hardpack terrain.It combines performance, grip and puncture-resistance in a lightweight tire.

Weighing just 415 grams, the MICHELIN Wild Race’R2 Ultimate delivers exceptional rider output when racing on dry or hardpack terrain.

The three tires used by Team Lapierre International were brought to market in January 2012.

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