New World Record Set on Bridgestone Tyres
- By TT News
- June 22, 2022
Belgian rider and bike enthusiast Thierry Sarasyn has broken the world touring record on 20 June, passing through 13 countries in just 19 hours and 43 minutes.
He was helped on the way to beating the previous record of 11 countries by Bridgestone’s Battlax Sport Touring T32 tyres, the company said in a statement.
Sarasyn started at 4.16 am in the Czech Republic and arrived in Arlon, Belgium, at 11.59 pm.
Sarasyn said, “I still had four hours to get to Holland, which is not too hard from any point in Belgium. But the goal was not to set a record that can never be beaten, just to beat the existing record. I knew I had it once I got to Luxemburg, but after that it was only 10km to get to Belgium. It seemed logical to add the 13th country to the list.”
The decision not to attempt a 14th country was also due to safety. He said, “I felt I was getting tired. And being tired while riding in the dark is not safe. We put safety first during this travel. I was not riding too fast, took breaks at least every two hours and followed strict nutritional rules to keep my focus.”
It was recorded using an official tracking system and Sarasyn could be followed throughout every moment of the attempt.
On his choice of using the Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T32 tyre to set this impressive world record, Sarasyn said, “I knew there would be highways but also mountain roads. So, I needed a versatile tyre. And I always loved the way the T32 front tyre handles and the feedback it gives. I had many challenges during the almost 1800km of this trip, but the tyres weren’t one of them.”
These challenges included physical and mental fatigue, backpain, traffic problems, navigation failure and the excessive heat on the day. From 11am, the temperature remained above 35ºC, peaking at 39ºC in Austria and Liechtenstein. Even when Sarasyn finished in Arlon, the temperature was 35ºC.
He said, “Hydrating is key in keeping the focus. I drank a lot and I think it was one of the major elements in making this adventure successful. That – and a set of great tyres!”
Battlax’s next-generation sport touring tyres, the T32 and T32GT, are the result of technical expertise and technological applications that are at the forefront of tyre development. By significantly enhancing the tyre’s connection with the road from the T31, Bridgestone created a tyre that delivers incredible performance even in poor conditions. The objective is to give riders more control and confidence in the wet and this tyre delivers exactly that.
Nico Thuy, Bridgestone EMIA Head of Motorcycle, said: “On behalf of all of us at Bridgestone, I’d like to say a huge congratulations to Thierry for his incredible achievement. Thierry’s confidence, performance level and versatility exemplifys all that is great about the T32. ‘Emotion’ is a key part of The Bridgestone E8 Commitment and Thierry’s efforts will certainly help to inspire excitement and spread joy to the world of mobility.” (TT)
Toyo Tires Secures CDP ‘A List’ Recognition For Actions Against Climate Change
- By TT News
- January 10, 2026
Toyo Tires has made its way to the annual A-List of CDP for its climate change mitigation efforts. This premier recognition, awarded for the first time to the company in the 2025 evaluation, reflects the company’s comprehensive decarbonisation efforts, which include validated science-based targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and a shift towards renewable energy at its production sites. CDP’s annual assessment is a key benchmark for corporate sustainability across climate, water and forests.
The assessment also highlighted Toyo Tires' commitment to transparency, as verified by independent third-party data reviews. Viewing its business activities as intrinsically connected to society and the future, the Toyo Tires Group treats reducing environmental impact as a top operational priority.
Moving forward, the company is dedicated to advancing decarbonization across all its manufacturing processes and broader supply chain, aiming to support a sustainable global society.
Apollo Tyres Expands Vredestein Gravel Tyre Range With Aventura Core Series
- By TT News
- January 10, 2026
Apollo Tyres Ltd has introduced a new and more affordable range of gravel tyres under the Vredestein Aventura Core Series. This new-generation family consists of three distinct models: the Aventura Seta Core, Aventura Core and Aventura Grezzo Core. Engineered in Europe, these tyres are built for enhanced durability and dependable performance across diverse surfaces, offering riders a cost-effective upgrade for adventure biking.
The series is constructed around a streamlined Core platform, which incorporates a robust 60 TPI casing for increased puncture resistance and stable handling on uneven terrain. While utilising the proven tread patterns of existing Vredestein gravel tyres, this refined construction delivers high-end capability at a more accessible price point.
Each model is tailored for specific riding conditions. The Aventura Seta Core is designed for speed, with a race-optimised tread for fast rolling on asphalt and high-speed gravel, complemented by shoulder knobs for technical cornering. For versatile, everyday use, the Aventura Core offers a balanced blend of rolling efficiency and predictable grip across tarmac, hardpack and gravel roads. Finally, the Aventura Grezzo Core provides confidence on loose and rugged terrain, featuring an aggressive tread for enhanced traction in sand and soft surfaces, while its chained centre tread maintains efficiency on harder ground.
The Aventura Core Series will be available starting 1 February 2026. The Aventura Seta Core comes in 40, 45 and 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Core is offered in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Grezzo Core is available in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. Colour options include black/black and black/transparent sidewalls.
Nic Knippers, Division Head – Vredestein Two Wheel Tyres, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Aventura Core Series marks an important expansion of our gravel offering within the Vredestein range. By introducing three purpose-designed tyres built on a shared durable foundation, we can better support riders across the full spectrum of gravel terrain – from high-speed racing to off-road exploration and everyday mixed-surface riding.”
Continental Expands HDR 5 And HSR 5 Tyre Lines With New Size
- By TT News
- January 10, 2026
Continental Tires Americas has expanded its HDR 5 and HSR 5 19.5-inch product lines with a new 245/70R19.5 size, specifically engineered for urban and regional delivery fleets.
These tyres are built to endure high-scrub environments and the demanding stop-and-go cycles typical of city routes. Key advancements include a reformulated tread compound that reduces rolling resistance for better fuel economy while also extending tread life. The redesigned sidewall enhances durability to support multiple retreads, maximising the value of each tyre casing. Furthermore, both models are validated for use on electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as traditional combustion engines.
This size extension provides a practical option for fleets seeking to improve operational cost-efficiency and tyre longevity under rigorous driving conditions, continuing the proven performance of the existing series with targeted upgrades.
NIRT Silver Jubilee Celebrations Commence In Kottayam
- By TT News
- January 10, 2026
The Silver Jubilee of the National Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT) commenced on the morning of 9 January 2026 at Kottayam's Hevea Hall. Union Minister of State George Kurian formally inaugurated the event, with Member of Parliament K Francis George presiding. Attendees also heard an address from MLA Chandi Oommen.
A wide array of activities marked the inaugural programme. These included unveiling a commemorative monument, honouring former NIRT Directors and recognising student cohorts. Several publications and materials were launched, such as a Silver Jubilee souvenir and tutorial videos for stakeholders. The new jubilee logo was revealed, and a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Rubber Board and the Government of Nagaland.
The ceremony further involved prize distributions for earlier competitions and celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Rubber magazine. The day's schedule continued with a curated panel discussion and a dedicated exhibition at the NIRT campus.
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