When you watch the more surface diverse races of the Spring Classics you tend to see certain patterns: Bulkier handlebar tape, a slightly shorter or higher stem position, more obviously nervous riders, and higher volume more aggressive looking tires. Look even more closely and you will see many green striped tubulars. These are the tires of Vittoria sponsored riders. Riders on other teams will often have tires with blacked out, or no logos. A good percentage of those riders are also riding Vittoria, but can't offend their tire sponsor. The tire? The Pave CG, a legendary high volume tubular with a thicker tread that has an impeccable reputation for grip and feel in wet, slippery, cobble stone conditions. Legendary because this tubular seems to fly over the cobbles with a confidence others lack; also despite the harsh pounding and huge impacts, it rarely flats. How does Vittoria do it?

Everything about this 3rd generation Pave CG was optimized for the harshest conditions, even while employing many of the same features and technologies of Vittoria Corsa CX road tubular tire. The 320 tpi Corespun casing forms the core of the tire. The wonderfully light and supple material of the CX is used, but the incredibly fine polyester and fibers of the standard casing are joined with light and flexible Kevlar threads. These are wound into larger polycore structures that are then Corespun into the casing shape. The soft and flexible fibers are strong enough to handle very high pressures, and still conform to varied surfaces, which in the case of the Pave CG, means grip and maximum tire purchase on uneven surfaces but excellent impact protection as well.

Matched with the latest Pro-level rubber compound, Pave CG III riders have incredible confidence when cornering or riding at any speed. This rubber, ISOgrip®, provides exceptional grip and low rolling resistance while providing better adhesion in both wet and dry road conditions. The application of the tread in the Pave CG is thicker than in the more road race oriented tires, for longer wear, protection and comfort at harsh impact. The Pave CG's tread pattern is designed for all conditions and is equally adept in dry or wet. At first glance it looks similar to the Corsa CX III, but if you hold them side by side you can see the center carries a firmer rubber and a coarser file tread that rolls well, but provides excellent braking and surface grip. The shoulders carry a more aggressive, taller directional file tread that not only sheds water, and delivers confidence in the corners, while ensuring adherence on off-camber edges.

This is Vittoria's most protection oriented race tire. Thicker rubber, Kevlar fibers and a protection belt all work together to preserve the tire, rim and rider. Sandwiched between the tread and casing is Vittoria's proprietary PRB 2.0 protective layer. This woven strip helps protect the casing from glass shards and general road debris that can wedge into the tread and cause flatting.

Of course, not all of us get to race in the Spring Classics, but the popularity of events that feature a combination of pavement, dirt roads, rough paths, etc. has exploded. Riders are looking for every advantage and more true racing cyclists and cyclocross pro's are taking these events seriously. These are riders who know the benefits of great tubulars and already have today's wider tubular wheels. The 27mm version of the Pave CG Tubular is perfect for these speed merchants on gravel or dirt roads. Some riders even prefer a competition oriented tubular tire for winter training, especially when potholes grow, sand and stone are spread, and dry days are rare. Yes there are heavier, more protective tires on the market, but just because the conditions are rough, you don't have to ride a heavy, harsh, minimal grip tire just to punish yourself. Buy a tire that still allows you to race and train as you prefer, and performs as if you are hitting the climb of the Koppenberg or the cobbles of the Arenberg forest. The Pave CG III is the best of these tires. The pro's know it, and so can you.