Castelli has collaborated with WorldTour team Soudal Quick-Step and Italian start-up Ragaz to develop a 70g prototype airbag crash protection system, which will be tested by the team in training and competition. Designed as a spinal protector for both elite and recreational riders, the system aims to deliver “elite-level safety” without sacrificing performance.
Rider airbags have attracted growing attention in recent months. At the start of the year, Belgium-based project Aerobag unveiled its safety technology at the Velofollies trade fair in Kortrijk. Developed in partnership with WorldTour team Picnic-PostNL, the system houses the airbag in a pouch on the back of the rider’s bib shorts, and the concept prompted the UCI to call for a “clear regulatory framework” governing the future use of airbag systems in the professional peloton.
More recently, Van Rysel unveiled the first fully integrated airbag skinsuit, which it believes could be worn by the WorldTour peloton in races as early as next year.
Now, Castelli has partnered with men’s and women’s WorldTour teams Soudal Quick-Step and AG Insurance Soudal, as well as Italian start-up Ragaz, to develop what is describes as a “revolutionary” cycling airbag system designed to make the sport safer for riders at every level.
With airbags seemingly on their way to the professional peloton, the UCI said it is already in contact with “several players in the sector”, but wishes to “broaden the initiative to the greatest number possible of manufacturers and institutes working on the development of airbags and technical apparel for cyclists”.
Rather than protecting the entire upper body, the system focuses on the spinal column, aiming to reduce bulk while offering targeted protection in the event of a crash. Castelli says this approach has “ensured the prototype integrates seamlessly into high-performance cycling apparel while maintaining the comfort, freedom of movement, and aerodynamics required in elite competition.”
The solution developed by Ragaz and Castelli is described as the first with the right dimensions for professional cycling, aimed at protecting a key area of the athlete’s body while remaining suitable for elite competition. “We look forward to contributing to its development and wearing it during training and competition,” says Soudal Quick-Step CEO Jurgen Foré.
The announcement was made ahead of the Tour de France, although there are no specific claims that the system is currently being tested during the race.
In terms of weight, Castelli says its prototype is “ultra-lightweight”. While Van Rysel’s integrated airbag skinsuit weighs a claimed 700g, Castelli’s system comes in at around 70g – roughly one-tenth the weight, or about the same as two energy gels, according to the brand. The teams say the “highly practical, unobtrusive design” is intended to encourage widespread adoption.
The system sits beneath the jersey pockets in a compact unit housing a battery, enabling inflation in around 200 milliseconds. Castelli also says it is easily rechargeable and can be fully removed for “hassle-free” washing.
Ragaz has also incorporated an anti-misfire feature, including controlled automatic deflation so that an accidental activation doesn’t leave the rider restricted.
Further testing and refinements are underway. For more information, head over to Castelli’s website.
