Giro d'Italia: Helmets Professional Cyclists Choose to Wear

As one of the most prestigious and spectacular cycling races in the world, the Giro d'Italia is a major event for cycling enthusiasts and professionals alike.

 

Here, we will provide some coverage of the race and explore the helmets worn by athletes competing in the event.

Giro D'Italia 2023: Latest Stages and Favorites

 

route of Giro d'Italia 2023

The month of May marks the much-awaited Grand Tour season, as the Giro d'Italia takes center stage. Started in the Abruzzo region on 6 May, 176 riders representing 22 teams had set out from Fossacesia Marina on Italy's Adriatic Sea coast and is set to finish on 28 May with a flat stage in Rome with 3 stages over 5,000 meters.

On Tuesday 16 May, the Giro riders has embarked on their 10th stage, traveling from Scandiano to Viareggio. The total distance of this route is 196 kilometers, with an altitude of approximately 2,600 meters.

The journey commences with a gradual ascent, providing the riders with an easy start. The path will be slightly undulating, with a brief respite before the first proper climb leading to Baiso which stretches 2.8 kilometers.

Then the route will continue its undulating form until a six kilometer descent, leading to an extended uphill section, albeit with slight inclines. This portion of the course will stretch for about 42 kilometers before heading through Piandelagotti towards Passo delle Radici - a genuine ascent rising 4.2 kilometers at a 6.4% incline. The summit of Passo delle Radici rests 1,521 meters above sea level.

Beyond the Passo delle Radici, there are still 108.5 kilometers left. The Giro then leads riders into Castelnuovo di Garfagnana before climbing up Monterperpoli, which is a quick but tough 2.6-kilometer ascent with an 8% incline. The route afterward is relatively flat, taking about 75 kilometers towards the finish line in Viareggio.

All in all, it's an exciting journey packed with twists, turns, and ups and downs. The riders' strength and stamina will be tested on this leg of the race.

 

Favorites to win Giro d'Italia 2023

To know whether your favorites are likely to emerge victorious in the competition, simply refer to the sheet detailing the top 10 riders' rankings after stage 9:

 

credit: Vavel

 

 

How to watch 2023 Giro d'Italia?

To watch the highlights videos of the previous stages, you can follow the official account of Giro d'Italia

To stay updated on the race, you can find out which channel is showing the 2023 Giro d'Italia in your country by checking the Giro d'Italia's list of TV partners.

What Does Giro d'Italia Mean in Cycling?

 

Giro d'Italia is one of the three Grand Tours of professional road cycling as above-mentioned, the other two being the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. The race is known for its challenging climbs and unpredictable weather, which can make it a particularly demanding race. It's celebrated for its beautiful scenery, passionate fans, and its important role in the history and tradition of cycling.

The Giro d’Italia can be traced back to 1909, when it was initiated with the aim of boosting the sales of La Gazzetta dello Sport. In the initial years, Italian cyclists commanded the race, but the tables turned from the 60s and beyond.

The race covers various types of terrain, including flat stages, time trials, and challenging mountain stages. Riders compete for several prizes during the Giro d'Italia. The most prestigious is the pink jersey (maglia rosa), which is worn by the overall leader of the race. This is similar to the yellow jersey in the Tour de France.

The Giro d'Italia is also an iconic part of Italian culture. It showcases the country's beauty, from its scenic coasts and historic cities to its rugged mountains, while providing a thrilling spectacle of athletic performance and strategic racing. The spirit of the Giro embodies the passion, drama, and unpredictability that make cycling such a compelling sport.

 

Giro d'Italia: A Stage for Competitive Cycling and High-Tech Gear

 

Giro d'Italia is one of the three Grand Tours of professional road cycling, along with the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. 

In previous post Tour de France: A Look at Top Bike Helmet Brands, we have introduced the Tour de France,  where the world's best cyclists gather to compete for glory in the pinnacle of cycling and where the most advanced cycling gear is put to the test. Now, we will take a closer look at another most important stage race - Giro d'Italia.

Giro d'Italia is a world-renowned, annual multiple-stage bicycle race in Italy. Regarded as one of the most challenging and prestigious cycling events in the world, the Giro d'Italia attracts elite cyclists from around the globe to compete for the coveted pink jerseys symbolizing the highest honor of the contest. 

This event is a test of human endurance and skill as well as a showcase for cutting-edge cycling technology. From aerodynamic design to lightweight MIPS technology, the race is where the latest and most advanced cycling gear is put to the ultimate test. Overall, the Giro d'Italia is a thrilling celebration of cycling and a true spectacle for sports enthusiasts around the globe.

Top Helmet Brands Preferred by Professional Cyclists

The Giro d'Italia, as an influential cycling race in the world, requires professional cyclists to wear helmets that meet rigorous safety standards. 

Being a exceptional sports helmet manufacturer, Huace Sports is dedicated to producing a wide range of top-quality helmets that cater to all clients, so we'd love to dive deeper into the helmets that professional cyclists had chosen in the previous Giro d'Italia races and why they opted for them.

Leading helmet brands favored by professional cyclists in this grand race include Giro, EKOI, HJC, MET, Giant and Specialized, among others, so let's take a closer look into it.

Giro

 

Giro’s Aether MIPS Spherical helmet features an EPS shell

 

 

Team NTT Cycling riders also wore Giro' Aeither MIPS Spherical

 

 

One helmet brand is Giro, a U.S.-based company that is a leader in high-performance protective gear and accessories. Giro's cycling helmets are known for their lightweight construction, excellent fit, and advanced safety features. What sets Giro apart is their commitment to in-house testing, ensuring that each helmet meets the highest standards for performance and safety.

 

Giro sponsored its Aether MIPS Spherical helmet for Team NTT Cycling riders. This innovative helmet boasts a unique ball and socket system that consists of an EPS shell within another EPS shell. This system works wonders in dissipating rotational forces exerted during a crash.

 

Ekoi

 

Ekoi helmets featured unique shape selected by AG2R-La Mondiale

 

 

Another reputable brand in the cycling world is EKOI. Originated from France, EKOI prides itself on cutting-edge safety features, unique aesthetics, and endurance in challenging race conditions, making them a preferred choice among professional cyclists. This brand has a long-term partnership with Huacesports in their shared commitment to advancing cycling technology and riders' performance.

 

EKOI's new helmet is called "PERFECT" which is designed for TT, track, and long-distance. PERFECT features five large ventilation areas with internal channels to optimize airflow, and the it is lighter and more aerodynamic than its predecessor. Notably, this new helmet has been road-tested in one of the world's most challenging cycling races - it supported the AG2R La Mondiale Pro Cycling Team riders in the Giro d’Italia.

 

HJC

 

Professional cyclist Adam Hansen had chosen HJC helmet

 

 

Founded in 1971, HJC is a top South Korean brand known for manufacturing top-tier racing helmets which has recently expanded its expertise to the cycling world, creating helmets that incorporate safety, aerodynamics, and ventilation into a perfect balance. Its philosophy of delivering superior safety at reasonable prices has made it a top choice among riders of all levels.

 

HJC also maintains a long-term partnership with Huacesports, and this alliance further emphasizes their shared dedication to fostering progress and safety within the cycling community. HJC offered their helmets for the Lotto-Soudal team in the Giro d'Italia - it expands helmet line with Ibex and H.sonic models to support this global race.

 

Giant

 

Giant sponsored Team CCC with its MIPS helmet

 

 

Giant, one of the largest bicycle manufacturers globally, extends its commitment to quality and innovation to its line of cycling helmets. This brand create helmets that highlight comfort, fit, and advanced protective technologies to cater to various riding styles and conditions. With options ranging from aerodynamic road helmets to robust mountain biking helmets, Giant offers a diverse range of helmets.

 

As the official sponsor of CCC team, Giant equipped the riders at TDU with their latest type - the Rev MIPS helmets. Boasting ultimate comfort and performance, the Rev MIPS helmets represent state-of-the-art helmet technology at the company.

 

 

MET

 

UAE Team was sponsored by MET 3K carbon helmets 

 

 

MET, an Italian helmet manufacturer, pushes the boundaries of design and safety. Its helmets are renowned for their lightweight construction, excellent ventilation, and high-impact resistance while still maintaining comfort and style, which makes it a top choice for both professional and recreational cyclists due to their continuous research and development.

 

MET helmets to provide top-notch protection for UAE Team Emirates riders - their Trenta 3K carbon helmet has emerged as the go-to choice for the team. This high-tech headgear is designed to provide maximum safety and performance, ensuring that riders can focus on their racing without worrying about their gear.

 

Specialized

 

Specialized S-Works Prevail II helmet for Bora-Hansgrohe riders

 

 

Specialized is a renowned cycling brand established in 1974. Initially importing Italian components, it eventually began producing its own bicycles and gear, including helmets that are lauded for their comfort, advanced safety features, and innovative technology.

 

Bora-Hansgrohe riders sponsored by Specialized are now equipped with their latest S-Works Prevail II helmet. This high-tech helmet is designed to be lightweight and breathable, making it an ideal choice for challenging climbs in hot weather conditions and ensuring maximum comfort and protection for riders as they push themselves to the limit.

From the above pictures and their introduction, we can see that the most advanced and innovative technologies have been integrated into these high-end bike helmet brands, such as MIPS Technology, 3K Carbon Fiber, Aerodynamic Design and Ventilation System, which had greatly empowered this global event. 

In Conclusion

The Giro d'Italia is a race that celebrates the endurance and skill of top cyclists from all over the world, and an arena where the most advanced helmet technology is put into the test as well. From aerodynamic designs to ventilation systems, the helmets selected by professional cyclists have incorporated the latest and most innovative features that prioritize safety, comfort, and performance.

As a first-rate manufacturer of sports helmets, Huace Sports is dedicated to producing top-quality products that incorporate the latest advancements in technology, and we look forward to continuing to innovate and evolve alongside the world's top cyclists!

 

FAQs

Which is harder: Giro d Italia or Tour de France?

There are some key differences that can help you determine which one may be considered harder:

Terrain: The Giro d'Italia is known for its steep and challenging climbs, often featuring steeper gradients and more technical ascents than the Tour de France. But the Tour de France has more consistent, longer climbs. 

Weather: The Giro d'Italia takes place in May, while the Tour de France is held in July, which means that the weather conditions during the Giro can be more unpredictable, with a higher likelihood of rain, cold temperatures, and even snow in the high mountains.

Race duration and intensity: Both races cover approximately 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) over the course of three weeks. The Tour de France is considered the most prestigious race and typically attracts a stronger field of riders, leading to more intense competition. 

The difficulty of each race depends on the specific routes, weather conditions, and competition in a given year. Some may argue that the Giro d'Italia's steeper climbs and unpredictable weather make it harder, while others may point to the higher level of competition and longer climbs in the Tour de France.

 

How do Giro d'Italia cyclists choose the right helmet?

Choosing the right helmet for the Giro d'Italia is a critical decision for professional cyclists for it will significantly influence their safety and performance. The main factors they consider are safety standards, aerodynamics, and fit. 

Safety Standards: Ensuring safety is paramount in professional cycling, and they choose helmets that meet or exceed established safety standards. This means adherence to standards set by organizations like the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale).  

Aerodynamics: In professional cycling, the difference between winning and losing can come down to minor improvements in aerodynamics. Cyclists prefer helmets with sleek designs that reduce air drag that can help increase their speed. This factor is particularly important during time trial stages, where riders often use specialized, elongated helmets for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. 

Fit and Comfort: Comfort is critical for the Giro d'Italia is a multi-stage race spanning several days, so cyclists choose helmets that fit well and remain comfortable over long periods. A well-fitting helmet with adjustable retention systems stays level on the head and doesn't move around during the race, allowing the rider to focus solely on their performance.

 

How do multi-stage races work?

Multi-stage races, such as the Giro d’Italia, operate in a distinctive way. Throughout May, teams of cyclists participate in a 21-stage race, completing one stage daily with several rest days interspersed. Each stage must be completed within a specified time limit to progress to the subsequent stage. 

The race organizers meticulously plan a diverse route to test riders' skills in different areas: time trial stages are included to challenge the time trialists; flat stages are designed for sprinters to show off their speed; hilly stages create opportunities for breakaways; mountain stages distinguish riders in excellent form from those in good shape. Overall, the race is structured to offer a comprehensive test of endurance and versatility.

Are there specific helmet models designed for the Giro d'Italia?

There are no helmet models designed solely for the Giro d'Italia. Cyclists use high-performance helmets suitable for competitive road racing, occasionally in special editions to celebrate the race.