A new Zipp road wheelset with what appears to be an integrated tyre pressure sensor has been spotted at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on Tom Pidcock's bike.
Pidcock's Scott Foil initially looked to have a relatively standard build, ready to take on the cobbled climbs of the Spring Classics opener.
On closer inspection, though, the wheels apparently feature a Quarq Tyrewiz tyre pressure sensor built into the rim at the valve.
The current version of the Tyrewiz sits on a special valve, external from the rim.
Integrating the device into a custom recess will likely lead to a small aero saving, while also looking much tidier.
The Tyrewiz gives a rider live tyre pressure data on their bike computer, giving the rider an indication if pressure is being lost (or not).
While this may sound like a small tech insight for a pro, it could enable them to get a quicker change from their team car, or to dispel any doubts about a slow flat or tubeless leak.
Zipp has done well to disguise the new wheel, branding the set in a very similar fashion to its existing 303 Firecrest wheels.
A telltale sign, however, is the small piece of electrical tape covering what we can only assume is new branding.
Given pro teams usually want to show off their sponsors' kit, covering branding usually means there's something they want to keep secret (which is like catnip to a tech journalist).
How the unit is powered is less clear. The current model uses a coin cell battery, which can easily be replaced, and it's possible space inside the hollow rim has been requisitioned for this purpose.
Alternatively, the unit could be charged via an internal, rechargeable battery, although with no charging port visible, this seems unlikely.
Zipp has been contacted for comment, and we'll update this article if we can find out any more information about this new tech.
