Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic tire having a tread portion comprising a plurality of axially spaced apart essentially longitudinal grooves separating essentially longitudinal ribs. On at least one of said ribs, transverse grooves or cuts repeat in the circumferential direction to form first and second land portions wherein the first land portions comprise blocks having a circumferential length greater than that of the second land portions. Said second land portion acts as a sacrificial bridge which provides traction improvement and minimizes undesirable surface anomalies during the service life of the tire.