Twelve professional teams, more than ever before, are using Schwalbe tires this season. The most well-known include the WorldTour teams Trek Factory Cycling, Ag2R-La Mondiale and FDJ.fr as well as the ProConti teams IAM, Yellow Fluo and MTN-Qhubeka. With this increased commitment, Schwalbe intends to further expand its position in cycling.
After the successes of the previous year, expectations for 2014 are high: Chris Horner won the Vuelta, Christophe Riblon triumphed on the king's stage of the Tour de France in Alpe d'Huez. In addition to further stage victories in the Tour and Vuelta, six Schwalbe riders became national champions. The new New Zealand champion Hayden Roulsten (Trek) continued this series in 2014.
"We can expect a lot from the three World Tour teams but also from IAM Cycling this year", according to Felix Schaefermeier. The new Junior Product Manager works continuously with the teams and accompanies them in important races with Schwalbe Race Support. “Especially in the somewhat quieter winter months, we exchange ideas intensively. When our prototypes have met the requirements in the laboratory, we test them with the professionals.", reports the former professional cyclist, who ended his active career in 2012. This winter he ran tests with FDJ.fr on the cobblestone sections of Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. "With the Schwalbe One HT in 26 and 28 millimeters, we have two new top products for the spring classics."
The Schwalbe tubular tire one HT has fully convinced the professional peloton since its introduction last summer. Above all, Jens Voigt was enthusiastic and could be won over as a testimonial for Schwalbe. Team colleague Fabian Cancellara wants to get back into the time trial while the Schleck brothers will concentrate on the tours. Five national champions testify to the strength of the team.