With the Scorpion XC RC and the Scorpion XC M, Pirelli is launching two new mountain bike tires on the market that are manufactured at the Bollate plant near Milan. They are the company's first tires to be produced entirely in Italy using only natural rubber certified to the FSC standard. The Forest Stewardship Council award guarantees the environmentally and socially responsible origin of the raw material.

The two new models were developed together with athletes from professional cross-country sports and are designed for XCO, short track and marathon racing. However, they are also suitable for demanding tours outside of the competition area.

The core innovation of both tires is the newly developed Race Compound rubber compound. It was designed by Pirelli's motorsport department and offers maximum performance on both wet and dry terrain. The compound combines chemical grip with high tear resistance and is designed to guarantee consistent performance over the entire service life of the tire - even when the tread is worn.

The Scorpion XC RC is designed as a direct successor to an already successful model and has been optimized in several respects. According to Pirelli, it offers a 7 percent reduction in rolling resistance. The new construction with more pronounced lateral tread blocks and the updated 29x2.4 size was specially developed for 30 mm rims. The flatter tread improves side lug grip when leaning and ensures precise handling in corners as well as when braking and accelerating. The tire shows its strengths above all on fast, technical routes with changing surfaces.

The Scorpion XC M has been completely redesigned and is suitable for modern marathon races and technical trail riding. Thanks to the more open lug design and the new rubber compound, it offers high traction on loose surfaces, from dry to slightly muddy. The tire weighs 12 percent less than its predecessor and also has 9 percent less rolling resistance. It is also manufactured in the true size 29x2.4 and is designed for 30 mm rims. As a front tire, it extends the range of applications in mixed terrain. The tread pattern with compact center lugs ensures good acceleration and smooth running while maintaining a high level of control.

Both tires are available in two carcass versions. The Lite version stands for low weight and high reactivity. The revised ProWall version offers additional puncture protection thanks to reinforced sidewalls and an optimized arrangement of the 120-TPI nylon fabric - an advantage for stability and riding comfort, especially at low tire pressure.

The two new Scorpion models will celebrate their racing debut from 20 to 22 June 2025 at the UCI World Cup in Val di Sole. They will be available from specialist retailers from July 11, 2024, with a recommended retail price of 74.90 Swiss francs.

pirelli.com