Rolling resistance coefficient Crr in track cycling competition tubulars 2026: Vittoria Pista Oro, Pista Speed (Graphene 2.0), Dugast Pista Latex Silk and Continental Sonderklasse

Rolling13 May 202610 min readDr. Borja Alfaraz

Abstract. This article presents the 2026 state of the art of the rolling resistance coefficient (Crr) in track cycling competition tubulars, with experimental data published by AeroCoach on Siberian pine tracks (Newport and Derby velodromes). The current ranking places the Dugast Pista Latex Silk (Crr ≈ 0.00136) and the Vittoria Pista Oro tubular (Crr ≈ 0.00139) at the top, with the Vittoria Pista Speed Graphene 2.0 (Crr ≈ 0.00141) as the optimal balance between performance and durability. The Continental Sonderklasse, historical reference of the segment, registers a Crr approximately 2.3 times higher. The emergence of the clincher tubeless paradigm is documented (Vittoria Pista Oro Tubeless-Ready, Crr ≈ 0.00121) as the new absolute reference.

The rolling resistance coefficient (Crr) constitutes, together with aerodynamics, one of the two material determinants of performance in track cycling. The 2024-2026 update of the AeroCoach database has reordered the previous consensus: Vittoria and Dugast top-of-the-range tubulars outperform the historical Continental Sonderklasse by margins exceeding 100 % in absolute Crr. Tubular selection now admits quantitative decisions grounded in independent data, with chronometric impact verifiable over 4 km of individual pursuit.

Physical formulation of the rolling resistance coefficient

The rolling resistance coefficient Crr expresses the fraction of the weight of the cyclist-bicycle system that is converted into resistive force by rolling on the surface:

F_roll = C_rr · m · g with m = total mass, g = 9.81 m·s⁻²

A 74 kg cyclist with a tubular of Crr = 0.00140 dissipates a rolling force of 1.02 N. At 15.8 m·s⁻¹ (57 km/h), this force demands a power of 16.1 W. An increase of Crr to 0.00320 (the Continental Sonderklasse level in the AeroCoach test) raises the demand to 36.7 W. The net difference —20.6 W sustained over 4 minutes— translated to instantaneous velocity through the cubic relationship of aerodynamic power, corresponds to a chronometric loss close to 2.8-3.2 seconds over 4 km.

2026 state of the art: ranking on Siberian pine

The values presented correspond to measurements executed on a covered Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica) velodrome by AeroCoach (United Kingdom, Newport and Derby velodromes) at controlled temperature and pressure adjusted to the experimental optimum of each tubular. Data have been cross-checked with the official measurements published by Vittoria S.p.A.:

Figure 1. Rolling resistance coefficient Crr measured on Siberian pine track by AeroCoach for competition and training tubulars. The dispersion between the fastest tubular (Dugast Pista Latex Silk) and the Continental Sonderklasse reaches a factor above 2.3, equivalent to approximately 20 W at 57 km/h.

Methodological note. The absolute values published by AeroCoach correspond to measurements on Siberian pine velodromes in Newport and Derby (United Kingdom) with pressures optimised per tubular. Other protocols —Bicycle Rolling Resistance laboratory rollers, Continental internal tests— yield higher absolute values by a factor of 1.5-2.0 but preserve the relative order between tubulars. Verification with the athlete's competition equipment on the target velodrome constitutes the only unassailable reference for equipment programming.

Vittoria Pista Oro and Pista Speed (Graphene 2.0): current segment dominance

The Vittoria Pista Oro tubular registers a Crr of 0.00139, positioning it as the contemporary reference in the pure tubular segment. Manufactured with Graphene 2.0 compound on Corespun-K casing, it incorporates a tread band of optimised thickness for track use and reinforced sidewalls that stabilise deformation under lateral load in banked corners.

The Vittoria Pista Speed with Graphene 2.0 compound registers a Crr of 0.00141, barely 1.4 % above the Pista Oro. The Pista Speed's differential advantage lies in its competitive lifespan: it maintains performance across 4-6 competitions before measurable degradation, versus the 2-3 competitions of the pure Pista Oro. For club structures with a dense calendar, the Pista Speed's cost-per-race / chronometric-gain ratio constitutes the market optimum.

Dugast Pista Latex Silk: the artisanal casing as reference

Belgian artisanal manufacture produces the Dugast Pista Latex Silk 22 mm with a latex inner tube and a fine-woven silk casing (≈ 350 TPI). The Crr registered in AeroCoach tests sits close to 0.00136, marginally lower than the Vittoria Pista Oro. The characteristic deformation of the silk casing provides a favourable compromise between minimum rolling and absorption of the micrometric irregularities of Siberian pine. Operational limitations include high unit price, restricted availability due to artisanal production and sensitivity to prolonged storage.

Continental Sonderklasse: repositioning of the historical reference

The Continental Sonderklasse, top-of-the-range tubular of the German brand during the 1990-2010 decades, registers in AeroCoach tests an approximate Crr of 0.00320, a value 2.3 times higher than the Vittoria Pista Oro. The disparity does not reflect a manufacturing defect of the Sonderklasse but the evolution of the segment: the Black Chili tread compound has been surpassed by Vittoria's Graphene 2.0 (2019) and by modern latex inner tubes. Its fine nylon casing, with excellent mechanical resistance, is less deformable than the artisanal silk or cotton casings, penalising the absorption of micrometric irregularities.

The Sonderklasse retains its value in two specific contexts: (i) teams with historical inventory already acquired, where substitution is not economically efficient in the short term; and (ii) training protocols where the superior abrasion resistance of Black Chili extends lifespan relative to Vittoria and Dugast.

Veloflex Record: consistent Italian alternative

The Veloflex Record 22 mm retains Italian artisanal manufacture with cotton casing and Vectran tread band. The estimated Crr sits close to 0.00170, an intermediate value between the Vittoria/Dugast tubulars and the Continental Sonderklasse. The progressive lateral response of the cotton casing proves operationally advantageous in sprint and keirin, where interaction with the 42 % banking generates significant lateral loads.

Emerging paradigm: the track tubeless clincher

The most disruptive evolution of the segment during the 2024-2026 cycle corresponds to the irruption of the Vittoria Pista Oro Tubeless-Ready, with published Crr close to 0.00121 — 11-15 % lower than the fastest tubular. The tubeless clincher design combines the Graphene 2.0 compound with a casing optimised for higher pressures and eliminates the tubular-rim interface that introduces hysteresis in the traditional system. Adoption is limited, however, to rims specifically compatible with the track tubeless standard, restricting its use to the top competition equipment segment. The classic tubular paradigm is expected to coexist with the tubeless clincher during the 2026-2028 cycle, with progressive transition in the elite segment.

Operational recommendation by discipline

Discipline	Priority criterion	Recommendation (tubular segment)
IP · Kilometre	Absolute Crr minimisation	Vittoria Pista Oro · Dugast Pista Latex Silk
Team pursuit	Crr + homogeneous durability	Vittoria Pista Speed Graphene 2.0 across all four riders
Sprint · Keirin	Lateral grip + torque transmission	Dugast Pista Latex Silk · Veloflex Record
Madison · Points	Consistency + lifespan	Vittoria Pista Speed Graphene 2.0
Track training	Tubular lifespan	Continental Sonderklasse · Continental Tempo
Maximum performance (compatible rim)	Absolute Crr minimisation	Vittoria Pista Oro Tubeless-Ready (clincher)

Chronometric simulation with tubular-specific Crr

AthletePro Velometrics integrates the updated database of rolling resistance coefficients by brand and model. Chronometric comparison between tubulars enables material decisions grounded in current data, not historical heuristics.

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References: AeroCoach (2024). Tubular Track Tyre Rolling Resistance Data. aero-coach.co.uk. Vittoria S.p.A. (2024). Pista Oro & Pista Speed Tubular Specification Sheet. Vittoria S.p.A. (2023). Graphene 2.0 Compound Whitepaper. Bicycle Rolling Resistance Lab (2024). Track Tubular Comparative Analysis. Continental Reifen AG (2025). Sonderklasse Technical Data Sheet. Blocken, B., Toparlar, Y., van Druenen, T., & Andrianne, T. (2018). Aerodynamic drag in cycling. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 182, 128-145.