Airbag under the jersey: Castelli and Soudal Quick-Step are testing the first system for use on road bikes

Shortly before the start of the Tour de France, the parties involved presented their collaboration at a press conference in Barcelona. The airbag system specifically protects the spine and is designed to prevent serious injuries in the event of a fall. Castelli integrates the technology directly into the racing kit without compromising aerodynamics or freedom of movement. The jersey, including the inner jersey, remains washable and recharges itself. The teams will initially test the technology in training and competition before it becomes available to professional and amateur cyclists.

Technical Specifications

The airbag system weighs about as much as two energy gels and deploys within 200 milliseconds of a fall. Once activated, the airbag deflates automatically and in a controlled manner, ensuring that riders remain mobile following an accidental deployment. The system can be recharged and removed from the clothing for washing. Castelli integrates the technology into its cycling clothing without compromising freedom of movement or aerodynamics.

Use in professional sport

Soudal Quick-Step CEO Jurgen Foré emphasises that safety influences many of the team’s decisions. The riders wear the system during training and competitions to test its suitability for everyday use. Steve Smith, Global Brand Manager at Castelli, explains that the collaboration aims to prevent serious injuries whilst remaining practical. Francesco Ragazzini, founder of RAGAZ, sees the collaboration as an important step towards further developing the technology. The teams’ expertise provides valuable insights for refining the protection system.