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Posted on March 21, 2018

Michelin Returns to Competitive Cycling

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Company will sponsor French Team Cofidis, Solutions Crédits in Tour de France

Greenville, S.C., March 18, 2018 — Michelin and professional cycling team Cofidis, Solutions Crédits have signed a two-year technical partnership agreement that  marks the French tire manufacturer’s return to top-flight bicycle road racing after an absence of several years.

Cofidis, Solutions Crédits is one of the 22 teams that have been invited to participate in July’s Tour de France. The Lille-based squad will compete on MICHELIN Power tires.

The new MICHELIN Power range reflects Michelin’s cycling expertise and features many of the latest technological breakthroughs that have been developed by the Group, with experts at Michelin’s technology center in Clermont-Ferrand, France, focusing on three performances that are keys to success in professional cycling: grip, low rolling resistance and resistance to perforation.

“Using bicycle racing as a full-scale laboratory with a partner that is capable of performing at the very top will help Michelin accelerate the introduction of new high-performance tires,” said Ulrike Ristau-Hutter, manager of Michelin’s bicycle tire division. “To be able to put our innovations through their paces in such rigorous conditions while benefiting from the experience of these athletes is a considerable asset for the Michelin Group’s bicycle tire division.”

Led by famed retired cyclist Cédric Vasseur, team Cofidis, Solutions Crédits’ has kicked of its 22nd campaign by reinforcing its strengths and upgrading its technology with new Michelin-equipped bicycles. Michelin will supply the team with Michelin tires and tubes. The partnership will allow Michelin and Cofidis, Solutions Crédits to co-develop other tire projects.

"We are delighted with this partnership,” said Cédric Vasser, sporting director for Cofidis, Solutions Crédits. “Michelin is much more than a tire supplier. It is also a partner with a long history of innovation and bicycle racing experience. Thanks to its expertise, our riders will benefit from the finest tires for all types of conditions. Together, I am sure that we will succeed in shining on the world stage.”

Cofidis, Solutions Crédits Major Events for 2018:

March 17: Milan-San Remo

March 19–25: Volta a Catalunya

April 18: La Flèche Wallonne

April 22: Liège-Bastogne-Liège

April 8: Paris-Roubaix

May 8–13: 4 Jours de Dunkerque

May 23–27: Tour de Belgique

June 3–10: Criterium du Dauphiné Libéré

July 7–29: Tour de France

Aug. 25–Sept. 16: Vuelta a España

 

About

About Michelin North America

Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies and healthcare. The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America, Inc. has approximately 23,500 employees and operates 36 production facilities in the United States (michelinman.com) and Canada (michelin.ca).