Remco Evenepoel blasts UCI to ban head sock TT helmet

Remco Evenepoel is not happy about the UCI’s decision to ban the Specialized TT5 helmet, and warns that the decision could result in a major backlash against the international cycling body.
In 2023, Specialized introduced the TT5, a novel helmet featuring a distinctive “head sock” believed to be more aero. However, following a thorough evaluation by the UCI, the helmet is set to be banned as of April 2.

Remco questions the decision

“It’s laughable. There are rules around brake levers, but I still see riders riding around with their brake levers tilting inwards. Two years ago, they authorized our helmet. Now they’re taking it out. I kind of feel like they want to play with our balls,” Evenepoel said to Belgian outlet, Sporza. “It’s not very friendly what they’re doing. There are other teams that are almost riding with a time trial helmet in the peloton. I’m thinking of EF Education-EasyPost. They  are dragging cycling into the ridiculous and they’re making all the riders turn against the UCI.”

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Soudal Quick-Step has been using the Specialized TT5, along with Bora-Hansgrohe, the new team of Primož Roglič.

R.I.P. head socks

However, following a review by the UCI, the helmet’s days are limited. The analysis aimed to assess the helmet’s compliance with article 1.3.033 of the UCI Regulations, which restricts the use of “non-essential” components not solely dedicated to clothing or safety purposes, as stated in the official announcement. The comprehensive procedure, involving discussions with Specialized and scrutiny of certification documents, safety instructions, and publicly available information, led to the determination that the head sock qualifies as a “non-essential” element.

Maybe more lids on the chopping block

There is a possibility of banning other helmets as well. The announcement specifically highlighted concerns about the helmets utilized by Team Visma – Lease a Bike in the Tirreno-Adriatico prologue, the Rudy Project Windgream HL 85 helmet worn by Bahrain Victorious, and the Poc Tempor helmet utilized by several teams, according to the UCI.

Is the Giro helmet next?

The radical new Giro helmet was the talk of the cycling community, and both Visma – LAB and defending Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard warned–it may look wild, but it’s fast.
Despite it being approved by the UCI, the helmet may also be…