Revolutionary Airbag System Integrated into Racing Skinsuit
The latest innovation in cycling safety gear comes in the form of a new airbag system integrated directly into a “race-ready” skinsuit, setting it apart from traditional bolt-on solutions. Developed for road cyclists by Van Rysel in collaboration with airbag technology specialist In&motion, this cutting-edge technology is currently undergoing testing with professional riders in preparation for a consumer release expected within the next two years.
This groundbreaking development was spurred by a call from the UCI, the governing body of professional cycling, seeking new gear to enhance rider safety in the face of increased speeds on the road. The current version of the airbag system is undergoing final validation before potential deployment in races. Weighing in at approximately 700 grams, with 500 grams dedicated to the airbag components, this system is notably lighter than airbag systems utilized in MotoGP.
Similar to the proven airbag solutions in MotoGP, Van Rysel’s Airbag deploys within just 60 milliseconds of detecting an impact, offering rapid protection in the event of a crash. The skinsuit itself is designed for aerodynamic performance and heat dissipation, incorporating abrasion-resistant materials to reduce the risk of road rash and other surface-level injuries.
The Airbag is strategically placed to protect areas of the upper body not covered by a helmet, including the central core, cervical zone, and spinal line. Future iterations may explore more extensive protection for cyclists.
Jocelyn Bar, product manager at Van Rysel, emphasizes the importance of rider safety, stating, “Behind every race number, there’s a human being, and sadly it is still widely accepted that a rider can lose everything in a fraction of a second due to a crash. What helmets represented 20 years ago, we believe Airbag can represent today. We are now looking beyond protecting just the head and aiming to safeguard as much of the body as possible.”
With the potential to revolutionize safety in cycling, the integration of an airbag system into a racing skinsuit represents a significant step forward in protecting riders on the road. Stay tuned for updates as this innovative technology continues to evolve and enhance the sport of cycling.