'The tyre separation was not caused by hookless rim design' –Cadex releases statement on Amaury Capiot's rear wheel failure at Omloop

Cadex has issued a statement regarding the rear wheel failure experienced by Amaury Capiot (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) during Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Following an investigation, the manufacturer concluded that the tyre separation was not caused by the hookless rim design, but rather by damage sustained to the tyre bead during an impact. Cadex confirmed the wheel itself remained intact, with the issue stemming from the tyre's integrity after the incident.

This clarification arrives amidst ongoing debate and scrutiny surrounding hookless rim technology, particularly after several high-profile tyre failures in professional racing. Capiot's incident, captured vividly on television, immediately fueled speculation about the safety of such systems. Cadex's swift, detailed response aims to distinguish this specific event from broader concerns, emphasizing external damage rather than inherent design flaws, a distinction crucial for both rider confidence and industry adoption.

Ultimately, Cadex’s findings shift the blame from rim design to impact damage, a common enough hazard in racing. Yet, the persistent shadow of previous incidents ensures the hookless debate, much like a poorly inflated tyre, will continue to roll on.