‘Minimum ventilation requirements, a ban on obstructing the riders’ ears, and a ban on visors’ – UCI clamps down on TT helmets in mass-start races

Following a range of rule updates from the UCI management committee session in Kigali, Rwanda, where the World Championships are taking place, the sport’s governing body has announced an updated ‘simplified distinction’ between time trial and mass start helmets for multiple disciplines.

The paragraph concerning the new helmet rules is short, but contains interesting information that will affect many of the helmets riders are wearing in races, the UCI said:

Other updates to come from the UCI press release today have concerned a U-turn on the UCI’s ruling on minimum permitted handlebar width, as well as the introduction of a maximum track equipment price cap for the Los Angeles Olympic Games.

(Image credit: Dario Belingheri / Staff)

Helmets used for road, cyclocross and track racing will have minimum specifications, including minimum ventilation requirements, which could spell the end of aerodynamic helmet use in road races. A prime example would be Visma-Lease a Bike riders racing in older non-vented Giro Aerohead time trial helmets on the road. British road star Matthew Brennan has worn the helmet for many of his road wins this year.

Helmet shells, integrated and detachable visors and accessories covering a rider’s ears will also be banned. Depending on the rules, several teams and manufacturers across various disciplines could be affected by this ruling.

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The UCI states the new specifications, which we don’t have a full breakdown of at present, aim to ‘contain aerodynamics’, which sounds like a way to potentially slow down races in a bid to try and make them safer. A train of thought which seems to have led to the recent rulings on minimum handlebar widths and gear ratio restrictions.

One helmet that will almost certainly be affected by the ban is Swedish brand POC’s Procen Air helmet, which has been worn by EF Education-EasyPost and EF Education-Oatly riders for the past two seasons.

Cyclingnews reached out to POC’s Global Director of PR, Communication and Partnerships, Damian Phillips, who surprisingly welcomed the UCI’s decision.

He said, “POC is first and foremost a protection company and we welcome the UCI’s focus on improving rider safety. We have regular contact with the UCI and were aware of the discussion around helmets for mass start events, which was started formally in June.

“The POC helmet that would be affected by the new rules is the Procen Air, primarily due to its partial ear covers and integrated visor, both of which were designed for safety as well as performance. Providing riders with a wider field of view and reducing wind noise around the ear improves awareness and communication.

“The UCI press release from today does not go into specifics, e.g., the definition of minimum ventilation, and we will look to clarify and discuss those details with the UCI to help ensure that any new regulations support their objective to improve safety.”