To celebrate Oakley's 50th anniversary, the brand is unveiling an innovation in the world of cycling: the launch of the fastest goggle-helmet system ever designed, resulting from an exclusive collaboration with the Tudor Pro Cycling team.
Source: press release
Oakley presents Velo Kato & Velo Mach, a duo designed for absolute speed, designed from 3D athlete data, refined in the wind tunnel and tested in real conditions on the routeof the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France.
This system combines cutting-edge aerodynamics, Prizm™ optical technology, optimized comfort, and performance-oriented design. These products embody Oakley's quest for excellence and push the boundaries of cycling equipment.
Fast alone, unbeatable together
The result of a close collaboration with Tudor Pro Cycling, the Swiss UCI Pro Team, Oakley's fastest ever helmet-eyewear system has redefined speed through advanced research, rigorous development and athlete-centric design.
For several years, Oakley and Tudor Pro Cycling have made pure speed their ambition, with a single goal: to create a goggle-helmet system faster than all others. The team set performance targets based on key athletes, their postures, wind direction and running speeds.
For a system as personalized as it is efficient, Tudor provided 3D scans of its best riders. Together, Oakley and Tudor Pro Cycling used this data to carry outcountless computer simulations and print 3D models to scale for testwind tunnel operators — recording thousands of individual wind tunnel tests, countless hours of tests real and synthetic with the Tudor Pro Cycling team. Oakley engineers joined Tudor Pro Cycling engineers and their riders at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub, where they testtested the system in real conditions on runners.
“With Tudor Pro Cycling, we thought big, and we implemented tenacity, creativity, and the best tools and methods of test — without compromise., explains Rachel Gitajn, R&D Director at Oakley. “The data provided by Tudor Pro Cycling was invaluable and gave us a concrete way to refine our design. By combining this information with a Design Thinking approach, we refined every detail of the helmet-goggle system until we achieved perfection with Velo Mach and Velo Kato.”
The first prototypes were testés during the Tudor Pro Cycling training camp in January 2024, where Oakley R&D conducted interviews with athletes and collected precise measurements, using this early feedback to evolve the design. In December 2024, Oakley returned with an improved system and delivered the final versions of the racing goggles and helmets to the Tudor Pro Cycling team.
Oakley Velo Kato was developed taking into account the cyclist's posture while racing. These glasses incorporate a new nose pad in Unobtainium® which improves the field of vision while ensuring optimal coverage. Their large glass in Plutonite®, equipped with technology Prizm, offers unmatched clarity and contrast to tackle the most demanding courses. The geometry PhysioMorphic ensures an ergonomic fit close to the face, which protects from wind and debris while providing panoramic vision. The deflectors on the frame work in harmony with Velo Mach to create an aerodynamic design that optimizes airflow, reduces drag and improves speed, helping the rider stay ahead.
Oakley Velo Mach is designed for speed, with a shell shape optimized for real-world postures, body angles and aerodynamic requirements. The introduction of flow deflectors, unique fin-like structures on the helmet surface, helps reduce drag and improve airflow grip, maximizing efficiency in the 70 km/h sprint position. The Oakley 360 Fit System improves pressure points with repositioned support straps, a rubberized dial, and a refined fit cap for superior comfort. The fabric TurboDry ensures optimal moisture management on all surfaces in contact with the skin.
“At this level, speed is everything: it’s about precision, agility, and the right equipment, designed for maximum performance, ensuring we’re ready to face every challenge that the route has in store for us.", says Alberto Dainese, cyclist of the Tudor Pro Cycling team. “When you’re competing with the world’s best, every watt and every millisecond counts—and Velo Mach and Velo Kato are setting a new benchmark in cycling.”
Velo Stelvio and Velo TT, helmets precisely designed for optimal performance in all racing scenarios, complete the collection. Designed to meet the demands of steep climbs, Velo Stelvio incorporates strategic ventilation and internal heat channels for maximum cooling, while delivering competitive aerodynamic performance. Velo TT, Oakley's fastest time trial helmet, features a tapered lens with technology Prizm, a removable vent cover, and the latest advances in aerodynamic shaping to save precious seconds at the most crucial moments. Both helmets are equipped with the moisture management system TurboDry Oakley's advanced 360 Fit system for race day comfort.
Velo Kato, Velo Mach, Velo Stelvio and Velo TT are available at Oakley. com as well as in stores and at selected Oakley partners around the world.
