The matching rims come - no surprise - from Mavic, and in addition to Michelin, France's second major tire manufacturer, Hutchinson, is already equipping the first road pros with pre-series models. These are currently being tested at the first races in Europe.

Tubeless 2004 only for road pros
For the time being, Michelin will produce three models of tubeless road bike tires for sponsored team riders: The "Pro Race" for dry conditions, the "Pro Grip" for wet conditions and the slightly wider "Pro Special Pavés" for the cobblestones of northwest Europe. According to Michelin engineers, air escapes much more slowly from tubeless tires in the event of damage, which reduces the risk of crashing and the time lost in the event of a puncture during a race. In addition, tubeless tires prove to be less tricky to fit than the tube and tire combination. Consumers will have to wait until 2005 before they can ride their bikes without tubes and collées.