Continental today announced two new variations of its top-of-the-line Grand Prix 5000 road tire. Specifically, the GP5000 TT TR, which focuses on time trials, and the GP5000 AS TR, which offers improved wet grip and puncture protection.

Spotted at the Kuhne Brussels Kuhne and presented in the technical gallery during the opening weekend, the new duo will be positioned on either side of the existing GP5000 S TR, creating a three-piece lineup and further specializing in the brand's best road bike tires. Like the "S", the new "TT" and "AS" are both tubeless compatible and hookless (with caveats).

You might think that TT (time trial) tires are for timed races only, while AS (all-season) tires are simply for training, but both are wrong. Taco van der Hoorn raced in Kuern with TTs on the rear and ASs on the front.

Although only announced today, the GP5000 TT TR has actually been around for several months: during the 2022 Tour de France, several riders were spotted using a special "TDF" edition GP5000, and Continental has confirmed that it is indeed the same, differently named tire. However, that tire was only available in 25mm width, but is now also available in 28mm width. Those who want tan sidewalls are out of luck, as the TT is only available in black.

Continental seems to have a habit of winning big races with pre-launch tires: just days after Filippo Ganna won the Time Trial World Championships before the GP5000 S TR was launched in October 2021, Sonny Colbrelli won Paris-Roubaix on this tire.

The new TT tire has already been very successful in the cycling world, with both Ganna and Dan Bigum setting not one, but two world hour records with it.

According to Continental, the 25mm GP5000 TT TR tire weighs 220g, 35g lighter than the equivalent GP5000 S TR. 25mm is hookless compatible with TSS rims (tubeless straight sides, aka hookless) up to 21mm inside width. The 28mm type, weighing 235g, is hookless compatible with rims up to 25mm.

The GP5000 AS TR, on the other hand, is available in tan and black, with the black version featuring Continental's Black-Reflex technology The AS TR comes in 25mm, 28mm, 32mm, and 35mm widths. [Continental claims that the AS TR is "the strongest Grand Prix 5000 tire ever" due to its improved tread pattern, multi-layer overlap ply construction, and improved sidewall protection. The result, Conti says, is better grip in the wet, better protection against punctures, and more durability than previous GP5000s.

Like the GP5000 S TR, the new tire features Continental's Black Chili rubber compound and Vectran breakers for puncture protection.

Given that it is a range topping tire, it is not surprising that this new tire is priced at a premium: the GP5000 TT TR is priced at 108.95 euros per tire, while the GP5000 AS TR is a bit more affordable (just a bit) at 95.99 euros. International pricing has not yet been determined.

Both are available immediately.