New Sponsorship 2026: Factory Massi ISB Sport and Tannus join forces for the XC elite

When a partnership works and delivers results, the logical next step is to keep building on it. That is why we are very proud to announce that in 2026 we are renewing our sponsorship with the ISB Sport team. A reinvented team under the new Factory Massi ISB Sport name, but with a roster of riders that is already proven and highly competitive.

With the clear objective of leaving nothing to chance and being able to focus 100% on every second of performance, Tannus Tubeless XC inserts will be integrated into the wheels of the Factory Massi ISB Sport bikes in some of the world’s most prestigious races, such as the Titan Desert Series, the Cape Epic, and UCI competitions throughout 2026. Discover the team and the key elements behind this partnership.

A TOP-TIER TEAM TO CONQUER XC

For this new chapter, the team maintains its strong core with five world-class riders, a majority of female athletes, and a luxury new addition that brings even more confidence to a fully international project.

TANNUS TUBELESS: THE PROS’ SECRET WEAPON FOR XC

In XC at any level, reliability is important, but at the elite level it becomes absolutely essential. Rocks, roots and rough trails do not care about categories or experience: they are there, and they punish your equipment relentlessly. That is why having a bike capable of absorbing the hardest impacts without destroying the tire or causing a puncture is the real key to riding with confidence and not ruining the day.

But if there is one scenario where this need becomes truly critical, it is in stage races. When you accumulate days of extreme fatigue, unpredictable terrain and hundreds of kilometers on your legs, pure speed often takes a back seat. Here, the number one priority is security and the absolute certainty of being able to keep going. In such demanding events, a damaged tire or a serious cut does not just cost you valuable minutes, it can take you out of the race entirely. And if that happens, being able to keep pedaling anyway is an absolute game changer.

Why is it such a non-negotiable game changer for them? Here are the key reasons:

1. Ultimate puncture and impact protection

Thanks to the way it sits on the rim, it absorbs the hardest impacts, helping prevent rim strikes, while also improving tire performance. In addition, its compound does not absorb sealant.

2. Improved Tubeless sealant effectiveness

Because it does not absorb any sealant fluid, it helps preserve the sealant’s full effectiveness against punctures. The holes in the insert allow the fluid to move freely through the tire and seal small holes more effectively.

3. Lower pressures without fear

This is perhaps the greatest advantage for technical riders. Tannus provides structure, which allows riders to lower tire pressure with complete confidence. This translates into:

• Brutal increase in traction: more tire contact area with the ground.
• Greater comfort and absorption: essential in rough races and multi-day events.
• A huge advantage on sand and dunes: lowering pressure without fear can make all the difference in races such as the Titan Desert.

4. Cornering stability

The lateral support helps prevent tire collapse in aggressive corners, providing greater precision and a stronger feeling of control.

5. The right balance: weight vs. performance

In Cross Country and elite racing every gram matters. But Tannus is an ultra-lightweight insert, and the huge benefits in shock absorption, traction and above all the certainty of finishing the race far outweigh the minimal impact on total weight.

The Titan Desert factor: the importance of lower pressures

In a race where dunes and sand decide the winner, tire pressure is one of the keys to success. Tannus allows team riders to lower pressures to levels that would otherwise be unthinkable, riding with maximum control and reduced risk of tire damage or rim impact.

This technical advantage can make a decisive difference. It is not just theory: Tessa already demonstrated the power of this technology two seasons ago by winning every single stage, thanks to the confidence and extra grip provided by the insert. This year, with the team present throughout the Titan World Series calendar, that ability to push the limit in the desert may once again become its greatest secret weapon.

An eye on the Cape Epic

The season is starting strong, and Factory Massi ISB Sport has ambitious goals. One of the key focuses for Mónica will be the demanding Cape Epic, where she will line up alongside the unstoppable Tessa. With this new alliance, the confidence of safer riding adds to their already obvious racing potential.

We can’t wait to see what this season of pure XC has in store.

Want to ride with the same confidence as Factory Massi ISB Sport? Discover more about Tannus Tubeless.