Independent rolling resistance testing ranks the Michelin Power Cup TLR among the fastest road tires available, but speed alone doesn't explain why Cofidis runs this rubber at the professional level. The tire delivers class-leading wet grip alongside that low rolling resistance — a combination that typically requires compromise in one direction or the other. Add puncture protection that exceeds most race-focused competitors without adding perceptible weight or casing stiffness, and the Power Cup occupies a rare position: genuine race performance with real-world durability.

Gum-X compound anchors the Power Cup's grip performance. The rubber maintains traction on wet roads without the mushiness that some high-grip formulations introduce, preserving the connected, responsive feel that competitive riders demand. Cornering confidence builds quickly once the initial mold-release residue wears off — roughly 50 kilometers of riding — after which the tire communicates lean angle and available grip clearly enough to push hard through descents and technical sections. The compound also contributes to durability, wearing gradually rather than degrading rapidly after initial break-in.

A 4x120 TPI casing marks the first time Michelin has used this construction in their road lineup. The four-layer nylon structure provides suppleness and strength while the aramid tubeless-ready bead maintains shape under cornering loads and impacts. Tubeless Shield technology wraps puncture protection from bead to bead, integrating flat resistance into the casing architecture rather than adding a separate heavy layer. The construction draws from Michelin's MotoGP experience, applying lessons about how sealed beads respond to extreme forces and harsh angles at speeds far beyond what bicycles encounter.... Read More