In case you were wondering what the UCI thinks of Team Visma-Lease A Bike’s fabulously extravagant helmet the team debuted in the prologue of Tirreno-Adriático, rest assured that they’re predictably a little skeptical. Like socks that are slightly too long, the bigger-is-better style of the helmet now found in the pro peloton during time trials might be up for debate. Perhaps the helmet will follow the faith of components they have now deemed “non-essential,” such as the Specialized head socks that gave us much to discuss last season.
According to a press release from the UCI, “the constant quest for improved performance and ever-increasing attention given to detail, is leading professional teams and equipment manufacturers to develop their equipment more often and with ever more radical designs.”
Because of this, the UCI looks to clarify its position concerning “the category of helmet.” (Presumably, this release came in response to the outpouring of memes earlier this week.)
First up: Head socks. Specifically, the head sock component of the Specialized TT5 Helmet, seen here on Davide Ballerini of Team Soudal - Quick Step:
A review by the UCI found that the head sock is considered “non-essential” to the helmet and therefore goes against regulation article 1.3.033. The head sock is banned as of April 2.
And finally, the real meat and potatoes of the release: What’s the deal with the helmet that Visma-Lease a Bike debuted this week? The UCI seems a bit stymied by that Giro helmet, as well as the Rudy Project Windgream HL 85 helmet and Poc Tempor helmet. They can’t seem to find a rule against these helmets, but they’re not psyched when considering that teams may prioritize performance over rider safety. To wit:
“The UCI acknowledges that while this may not directly contravene existing UCI Regulations, it raises a significant issue concerning the current and wider trend in time trial helmet design, which focuses more on performance than the primary function of a helmet, namely to ensure the safety of the wearer in the event of a fall.”
So, what’s next? A review of the rules, of course! “In view of the evolution of these situations as well as other problems encountered in recent years, in relation to the requirement for commercial availability, the ban on non-essential components and the shape and size of time trial helmets, the UCI will undertake a review of its rules on the design and use of helmets in competition.”
We can’t wait to see what they come up with.
