In professional cycling, the difference between winning and losing is often measured in fractions. At the highest level of the sport, reducing friction, improving efficiency, and increasing reliability are not luxuries: they are necessities.
That relentless pursuit of performance is why both Soudal Quick-Step and AG Insurance - Soudal work closely with CeramicSpeed, the global leaders in high-performance ceramic bearing technology.
From the latest Bottom Bracket ALPHA to SLT headsets and wheel bearings, CeramicSpeed components are integrated throughout the teams’ bikes, helping riders extract every possible watt from their effort while ensuring maximum reliability across the toughest races in the world.
Ceramic bearings are designed to reduce friction compared to traditional steel systems, allowing for smoother rotation and improved drivetrain efficiency. In practical terms, that means less resistance, reduced energy loss, and ultimately more speed for the same rider effort. But performance is only one side of the equation.
Modern professional cycling places huge demands on equipment, often in extreme conditions ranging from rain-soaked cobbles to scorching summer heat. CeramicSpeed’s components are engineered not only for speed, but also for durability and longevity. Their SLT headset bearings use an oil-encapsulated polymer system combined with stainless-steel materials to create a self-lubricating and highly corrosion-resistant bearing. The result is a system that requires significantly less maintenance while delivering exceptional durability over time.
The recently introduced Bottom Bracket ALPHAfurther underlines CeramicSpeed’s commitment to combining low-friction performance with long-term reliability. Developed and tested extensively, the redesigned system improves sealing, durability, and protection against contaminants while maintaining the efficiency that the Danish brand has become known for. For the teams, that combination of speed and dependability is invaluable during a season that spans thousands of kilometres and countless hours of racing, training, and travel.
At this level, every detail matters.
“Reducing friction means reducing wasted energy, and that can make a real difference over the course of a race. But what is equally important for us is consistency and reliability. CeramicSpeed products allow us to combine performance with durability, even in the hardest racing conditions”, explained Nicolas Coosemans, Soudal Quick-Step and AG Insurance - Soudal Head of Technical & Development.
Coosemans also highlighted the close working relationship between the teams and CeramicSpeed, with constant feedback flowing between riders, mechanics, and engineers to further refine products at World Tour level: “It’s a genuinely collaborative relationship. We are not simply using the products - we are constantly exchanging feedback and experiences with CeramicSpeed to help develop solutions that meet the demands of modern professional cycling. That process benefits both the teams and ultimately every rider who uses their products.”
Photo credit: ©Cédric Depraetere
