The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire with an elongate substantially annular air passageway enclosed within a bending region of the tire and extending substantially in a circumferential direction, wherein upon rolling of the tire air is pressed through the air passageway and a valve assembly in air flow communication with the tire cavity, the annular air passageway and the exterior of the tire and having an air inlet for allowing air to enter the valve assembly from the exterior of the tire as well as an air outlet for allowing air to enter the tire cavity.