A recent statement by Cadex has shed light on a controversial incident involving Amaury Capiot's wheel failure during the Omloop het Nieuwsblad race. The brand, known for its hookless rims, has taken a stand, asserting that the design of their rims was not the culprit.
But here's where it gets interesting: the issue, according to Cadex, was the prolonged riding on cobblestones with a flat and damaged tire. This led to a structural failure of the rim, causing the spokes to displace and the wheel to collapse.
A Dramatic Wheel Failure: Unscathed Rider, Cracked Rim
Capiot, a rider for Team Jayco-AlUla, experienced a dramatic wheel failure, but fortunately, he escaped unharmed. The incident has sparked a debate, with many questioning the role of hookless rims in such failures.
Cadex's assessment, conducted with the team, revealed that the initial impact occurred at a relatively high speed of around 47-48kph. Capiot continued riding on the cobbled sections, which ultimately led to the wheel's collapse.
And this is the part most people miss: despite the failure, Cadex claims that the wheel's design prevented a crash, highlighting the stability of their product even under extreme conditions.
The Role of Tyre Liners: Protection or Not?
Images from the incident show that Capiot was using a tyre liner, a common practice during cobbled classics. These liners are designed to provide a degree of protection to the rim in case of a deflation, acting as a cushion.
However, in this case, the liner wasn't enough to prevent the rim from cracking. It's important to note that neither Giant nor Cadex recommend the use of tyre liners with their products, and in this instance, the team deviated from these guidelines.
So, was the tyre liner a contributing factor? Cadex doesn't think so, but it raises an interesting question: should teams reconsider their use of tyre liners, especially in high-impact situations like cobbled races?
This incident has sparked a debate, and we want to hear from you. Do you think hookless rims are safe for road cycling? Should teams reconsider their use of tyre liners? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
