Gravaa, company behind Visma | Lease a Bike’s revolutionary tire pressure system, declared bankrupt

Gravaa had been used for several years by various riders from Visma | Lease a Bike. For example, Wout van Aert spoke positively about the gadget, which allowed air to be pumped in and out during a race like Paris-Roubaix. “I’ve tested it this winter and I’m impressed with how it works and continues to work,” said the Belgian — a recognised authority on equipment — last year.

The system also delivered success for the Dutch squad. Marianne Vos became 2024 gravel world champion with the KAPS system on her bike, and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot’s 2025 Paris-Roubaix victory was also helped by it. Matthew Brennan also took victory in the GP Denain thanks to the technology.

Behind the scenes, the business side wasn’t going great. The KAPS system costs several thousand euros, making it difficult to sell to recreational cyclists. Other WorldTour teams, such as Lidl-Trek, did purchase the system in limited quantities. “But it’s one of many things we test,” responded Mads Pedersen when asked in December.

It is currently unknown whether there will be a restart for Gravaa or if the curtain will fall permanently. At Visma | Lease a Bike, Head of Performance Equipment Jenco Drost told us last week in Spain that the system is expected to be used again this spring. “We think it can make a very big difference. Especially in Paris-Roubaix, it’s really a big advantage,” he said previously.