Victorious Vos, Victorious GRAVAA at the 2024 Gravel World Championships

GRAVAA, an innovative adaptable tyre pressure system, has stepped in full force into the cycling scene. This groundbreaking technology allows riders to adjust their tyre pressure on the fly, optimizing performance for different terrains and conditions.

The Gravel World Championships was the ultimate proof of concept, as the team Visma – Lease a Bike riders would race using the system. Marianne Vos flew across the finish line winning her 14th World title, first in gravel. With a flat tyre that was solved by the mechanism, it is fair to say that GRAVAA played a key role in her victory.

Our first encounter with the brand occurred at Sea Otter Europe, where we gained valuable insights into the team behind the brand and their innovative project. We had the opportunity to reconnect with them at the Gravel World Championships, witnessing Vos’ impressive victory firsthand. The following day, we attended GRAVAA’s Media Breakfast, where we learned more about their technology and its application in the race.

Revolutionizing cycling performance

GRAVAA’s path to creating this revolutionary system has been a long one, involving years of research and engineering. At the heart of GRAVAA’s system is a miniature high-pressure pump integrated into the wheel hub and a hose connects the hub to the wheel’s valve, enabling real-time pressure adjustments.

The system is controlled electronically, and riders can make adjustments using sprint shifter-style controls on their handlebars. GRAVAA has also developed a mobile app to complement the system, offering riders even more control and customization options.

One of the most significant developments has been the creation of a new valve interface with a hydrophobic filter. This patented design allows air to flow in and out while keeping sealant inside the tyre, preventing potential clogs or damage to the system.

The ultimate proof of concept

The versatility of GRAVAA’s system was further demonstrated at the World Gravel Championships, where it played a crucial role in Marianne Vos’s victory.

The 134km course started in Halle and finished in Leuven, featuring a mix of unpaved gravel roads, forest paths, and urban sections. Approximately 55% of the route was considered unpaved, including gravel, dirt, and cobblestones, providing a challenging and diverse terrain for the riders.

Equipped on her Cervélo Aspero bike with Reserve wheels, the GRAVAA system allowed Vos to optimize her tyre pressure throughout the race, adapting to the varied terrain and conditions of gravel racing.

In a crucial moment during the final stages of the race, Vos experienced a potentially race-ending setback when her front tyre punctured. However, the GRAVAA system proved to be a game-changer. The tubeless tyre’s sealant quickly closed the hole, and the system sprang into action, rapidly reinflating the tyre from a mere 0.5 bar to a race-ready 2 bar.
This timely intervention allowed Vos to maintain her position, with her tyres back to optimal pressure, Vos was able to unleash her formidable sprint, ultimately outpacing Lotte Kopecky to claim victory.

As production ramps up and real-world usage increases, GRAVAA’s team remains working on this innovative technology, constantly refining and improving the system.