Spotted: Lidl-Trek using a prototype Pirelli P-Zero Race tyre in the Classics

The team bikes of Lidl-Trek were spotted with 'prototype' labelled tyres fitted at the start of Brugge-De Panne on Wednesday.

Sponsored by Pirelli the team has played a role in the development of the new tyre which we can assume is a new P-Zero Race tyre.

The new tyre looks to use the same tread pattern on the edges as the current model with the changes coming in an updated rubber compound that is claimed to improve the tyre's performance. It is not clear how far away these tyres are from an official release, however with a debut appearance in a race it is safe to say they can't be far from being finalised.

© GCN

The new tyre looks to retain the existing models tread pattern on the sides of the tyre

Lidl-Trek were seen to be using a 28mm version of the new tyre mounted to Bontrager's Aeolus RSL 51 wheels. These feature a trend-leading 23mm internal rim width, making the 28mm tyres measure closer to 30mm when inflated. This lends itself to running lower tyre pressures, something that is becoming increasingly common and widely accepted as a faster set-up.

One of the Lidl-Trek mechanics confirmed to GCN that the whole team use tyre pressures between 4.8-5.5 bar (68-79psi).

• Read more: Why tyre pressure and tyre width matter so much for cycling

Wider tyres are something that we are seeing more and more in the professional peloton with wider rim profiles and hookless rims driving the trend. Although the Aeolus rims used by Lidl-Trek are hooked, the 23mm internal rim width means that a 28mm tyre is about as narrow as the rim will accept.

© GCN

Even though they are quoted as 28mm in width on the Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 wheels they measured closer to 30mm

Pirelli currently offers the P-Zero Race in 26, 28 and 30mm widths with both a four-season and TT variant of the P-Zero Race. The current P-Zero Race tyres are hookless compatible, and we can safely assume that the new ones will also be certified according to ETRTO regulations that limit the maximum tyre pressure to 73psi when used with a hookless rim.

For more information on finding the right tyre pressure and width for you make sure to check out our latest how to content, and head over to the tech news section of the website to keep up to date with the latest from the world of bike tech.