Over 70 podiums and 30 wins accumulated between the tire's adoption by Lidl-Trek and its commercial release. That World Tour validation shaped the P Zero Race TLR RS into Pirelli's fastest road tire, manufactured at their Milan-Bollate facility where proximity to R&D headquarters allows direct translation of racing feedback into production. The RS designation signals racing-specific optimization: 8 percent lighter than the standard P Zero Race TLR and 16 percent lower rolling resistance, achieved through refinements to both compound and casing that professional riders demanded for Grand Tour stages.

SmartEVO2 compound represents Pirelli's current pinnacle of road tire chemistry, an evolution of the three-polymer SmartEVO formulation using new materials and mixing processes only possible at their Italian manufacturing plant. The compound improves grip across wet and dry conditions while simultaneously reducing rolling resistance, a combination that typically requires trade-offs. Pirelli attributes this to polymer behaviors that adapt to surface conditions rather than relying solely on mechanical softness, maintaining adhesion without the accelerated wear that accompanies soft durometer rubber.

SpeedCORE technology addresses the casing, Pirelli's patented tubeless-ready construction consisting of a thin airtight layer of rubber compound infused with aramid particles. This approach allows a lighter overall casing structure compared to traditional bead-to-bead aramid reinforcement while maintaining puncture protection. The 120 TPI construction rides supple and responsive, translating road feel to the rider without the damped sensation of heavily armored casings. A redesigned bead profile improves compatibility with modern rim designs, including hookless wheels under ETRTO standards when running 28mm or wider at pressures up to 73 psi.... Read More