Since the start of the 2024 World Tour, many EF Pro Cycling team riders have been competing with a new helmet. This one evolves the classic concept of a high-performance cycling helmet and has already garnered multiple victories.
Source: press release
The Procen Air is POC's latest aero helmet. Now available to all cyclists, it is the result of years of experience and extensive collaboration with the expert professionals of the EF Pro Cycling team.
The Procen Air has already been seen in action and successful in multiple major races this year. However, speed is not the only goal of this cycling helmet on route. It is also designed to maximize cyclists' performance during long days in a peloton, improve their vision and hearing and of course protect them in the event of a fall.
Magnus Gustavsson, Equipment Manager for POC, explains: “We know how to make a helmet that protects against impacts. In the case of the Procen Air, we wanted to optimize the experience in the heart of the peloton, where a lot is happening around you. Our mission was to create a helmet that is as aerodynamic as a time trial helmet, that improves the cyclist's vision and hearing, without compromising their safety.”
The Procen Air was developed in collaboration with EF Pro Cycling's team of professional cyclists and performance experts, as part of POC's Aero initiative. Of course, aerodynamics are at the heart of a cycling helmet on route of this type. However, consistent performance requires meeting certain needs: it also depends on ventilation, cooling and protection.
This process took many years of tests and improvements, as described by EF Pro Cycling Performance Director Peter Schep: “When we developed the technology to optimize airflow through a time trial helmet, the Procen, we thought, ‘Hey! This will solve a number of our problems.’ We quickly moved up a gear with this new project. All it took was making adjustments to ensure the rider was adequately cooled, while still maintaining superior vision and hearing to see what was happening behind and around them. Safety is always the priority. With that in mind, we were able to develop this helmet. It allows you to go significantly faster.”
Air flow
The vents on the front of the Procen Air channel air from the high pressure area. This reduces the air stagnant and the resistance the cyclist has to face. Air is guided inside the helmet. By causing a Venturi effect, just like for the POC Ventral helmet, Air circulation inside the helmet promotes ventilation and cooling. This optimizes the performance of the helmet and the rider wearing it.
Visibility/Magnetic screen
In addition to its aerodynamic performance and optimized ventilation, the Procen Air helmet benefits from a new screen that ensures maximum peripheral vision. It allows the cyclist to see better and react more quickly to different racing scenarios, as well as to the jostling that can take place within the peloton. The new magnetic mounting system gives the cyclist the simple option of using the screen or removing it in one movement, ensuring optimal vision at all times. The Clarity screen can be attached with one hand to magnets on the back of the helmet until it is needed again, all without having to touch the glass. The magnetic “garage” on the back is designed so that the screen does not interfere with the rider, even in an aerodynamically inclined position.
Optimal hearing
Within the peloton, hearing is often what alerts the cyclist first. His spatial perception depends on his ability to perceive sounds, especially when other cyclists arrive from behind, outside his field of vision. To this end, The area where the helmet covers the ears has been refined to ensure both optimal hearing and aerodynamic performance. Minimized turbulence around the ear and the semi-open design allow most cyclists to hear better. In addition, comfort and fit are essential to maintain concentration. The Procen Air's 360° adjustment system allows each cyclist to achieve a secure fit, ensuring optimal position and protection.
Aerodynamic performance
The Procen Air is made for speed, as the EF Education-Cannondale team’s results this year already demonstrate. From Noemi Rüegg’s sprint at the Trofeo Felanitx-Colònia de Sant Jordi, to Kristen Faulkner’s 50km solo breakaway victory at the Omloop van het Hageland, to Kim Cadzow’s triumph at the Trofeo Ponente in Rosa, the women’s team has already won several races with the Procen Air.
These successes consolidated the results collected in the wind tunnel and during the tests on route by POC and EF Pro Cycling Team. Testand facing the Ventral helmet, reconnaked for its speed, The Procen Air highlights a significant performance gain, ranging from 5 watts at low speed, up to 18 watts at high speed (between 30 and 60 km/h).
Another concrete example of this performance gain is the data collected during Alberto Bettiol's magnificent solo breakaway, which allowed him to win the Milan Turin in March. Attacking 30 km before the finish line, Alberto covered the remaining distance in 39 minutes. His team recorded the following results: high speed, 11 min; normal speed, 18 min; low speed, 10 min.
Even on route, where the wind blows uncontrollably and end-of-race fatigue sets in, the difference is clear to Alberto and his team. As EF Pro Cycling Performance Director Peter Schep explains: "Alberto maintained an average speed of 46,5 km/h during his solo. According to our calculations, the Procen Air allowed him to cover the distance more than ten seconds faster than if he had worn the Ventral, which is already a fast helmet. In addition, the Procen Air met the needs of a classic 177 km race in hot weather."
Product details
- Testand in computational fluid mechanics for aerodynamic efficiency
optimal.
– Ventilation testtested in the wind tunnel and on route guaranteeing superior comfort.
– Air circulation inspired by the Venturi effect ensuring maximum cooling.
– Innovative rear edge directs air away from shoulders.
– Unique magnetic screen and storage area.
– Lightweight adjustment system.
Certification
Certifications EN 1078/CPSC/AS/NZS 2063
Sizes
M and L. Size M can be converted to size S with the adjustment pads provided.
Colors
Hydrogen White, Uranium Black Matt
Weight
350 g (Medium)
Availability
Available immediately worldwide: online at pocsports.com and at official POC dealers
Price
€400
