Riders aren't crashing at the Giro d'Italia because of TT tyres – despite what Geraint Thomas and Luke Rowe say

Geraint Thomas and Luke Rowe recently questioned UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s decision to use Continental’s GP5000 TT TR tyres during the wet opening stages of the Giro d’Italia, following a crash on Stage 2 involving riders Adam Yates, Jay Vine, and Marc Soler. Both riders suggested that the time trial-specific tyres, while faster, might offer less grip in such conditions, implying that this choice could have contributed to the accidents. Their comments sparked debate about the suitability of TT tyres in wet road racing scenarios. UAE Team Emirates responded firmly, denying that the tyre choice was to blame for the crashes. A team spokesperson emphasised that their riders have long used TT tyres without issue and attributed the incidents to the combination of wet conditions and high speeds rather than any inherent flaw in the tyres themselves. This rebuttal highlights the complexity of factors affecting grip and safety beyond just tyre selection. Technical analysis reveals that the GP5000 TT TR and the GP5000 S TR tyres share the same rubber compound and tread pattern, with differences mainly in construction rather than surface grip. The TT version is lighter and more supple due to a two-ply sidewall and slightly thinner tread, designed to improve rolling resistance without compromising the rubber’s contact with the road. Contrary to common assumptions, bike tyres at typical pressures do not aquaplane, and tread primarily aids cornering performance rather than water dispersal. The issue of grip in wet conditions is more influenced by factors such as the tyre compound’s behaviour when cold, the road surface, and the lean angle required by riders. The challenging conditions on Stage 2, including wet roads and potentially slippery surfaces, likely played a larger role in the crashes than the specific tyre model. Thomas and Rowe’s instincts stem from an earlier era when TT tyres were indeed less grippy, but modern designs like Continental’s GP5000 TT TR have evolved significantly, making such concerns less relevant today. Overall, the debate underscores the importance of understanding the nuances of tyre technology in professional cycling. While rider experience and intuition remain valuable, advancements in tyre design and materials have altered performance characteristics, meaning that older assumptions may no longer apply. The discussion also points to the broader challenges teams face in balancing speed and safety under variable race conditions.