The UCI prohibits the Specialized neck gaiter and puts the Giro helmet of Visma-Lease a Bike in the spotlight

In the last 24 hours, the only thing talked about among cycling fans is the monstrous helmet of Visma-Lease a Bike. It is one of the most talked-about novelties in recent months and regardless of its possible benefits or aesthetic issues, there was one thing that almost everyone was clear about, and that is that the UCI was not going to stay silent about it.

UCI bans Specialized neck gaiter and sets sights on Giro helmet from Visma-Lease a Bike

After its decision to end twisted brake levers or announce that it will urgently investigate the safety of hookless wheels, the UCI has now issued a statement in which it announces the prohibition of the neck gaiter used by Specialized in time trials and anticipates that it will conduct a "thorough analysis" of the design rules for time trial helmets.

Firstly, the prohibition that Specialized cyclists have been using since the 2022 Tour alongside the TT5 helmet is because the UCI interprets it as a non-essential element that only serves to improve performance.

"After carrying out a comprehensive process, which included consultation with Specialized, as well as examining documentation related to helmet certification, safety instructions, and information from public sources, it was concluded that the Head Sock is a 'non-essential' component."

"As a result, the gaiter integrated into the TT5 helmet will not be allowed in UCI International Calendar events, starting from April 2, 2024."

Regarding the helmet everyone is talking about, the new Giro model for time trials that the Visma-Lease a Bike team debuted yesterday, for the UCI it was not such a novelty and they had been analyzing it for some time, but this has been their official statement after the model was presented in competition:

"The UCI will conduct a thorough analysis of the regulations governing the design and use of time trial helmets"... "the constant search for performance improvements and greater attention to detail is leading professional teams and equipment manufacturers to develop their equipment more frequently and with increasingly radical designs."