Premiere at the Tour de France: Healy wears the new POC Cytal Lite
TOUR
· 19.07.2025
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The Swedish helmet specialist POC is launching the Cytal Lite launched a new ultra-lightweight racing bike helmet, which made its official debut at the Tour de France 2025. The model is already being used in this year's Tour of France. Irishman Ben Healy from the EF Education - EasyPost team wore the Cytal Lite during the 9th stage from Chinon to Châteauroux in temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius. During the successful escape attempt on stage 6 from Bayeux to Vire Normandie, Healy was still wearing the aerodynamically optimised Procen Air EF Pro Cycling Ed. Team. Weighing less than 200 grams in size M in accordance with the CE standard, the new helmet is aimed specifically at mountain specialists and riders travelling in hot conditions. During development, the focus was on optimising heat management and minimising weight without compromising on protection.
Optimised ventilation for mountain bikers
According to the manufacturer, the airflow system of the Cytal Lite has been optimised for speeds between 20 and 30 kilometres per hour, which is often the case when riding uphill. According to POC, the cooling performance also remains effective at lower and higher speeds. This is ensured by an optimised airflow, known from the "Air-Capture" and "Linear-Airflow" approach of the earlier Cytal and Ventral models. Two integrated wing structures help to control the airflow through and around the helmet and thus improve ventilation. The padding at the front of the helmet also consists exclusively of vertical pads, allowing more air to flow across the forehead.
Ultralight construction for maximum performance
To achieve the extremely low weight, every detail of the helmet has been customised for its specific purpose. The outer shell consists of a lightweight in-mould PC construction, while the low-density EPS inner shell also optimises the low weight while providing impact protection. The straps, strap distributors and adjustment system have also been designed to minimise weight and maximise comfort. New, lightweight straps are used and minimalist strap distributors enable simple position adjustment.
Development in collaboration with professional team
When developing the Cytal Lite, POC worked closely with the WorldTour team EF Education - EasyPost. Peter Schep, Head of Performance at EF Pro Cycling, explains: "We know how important ventilation and cooling are and the difference they make to human performance. For many years, the focus was on aerodynamics. Now temperature management is treated equally. Having a helmet that is convincing in terms of both weight and cooling is a clear advantage. We spent a lot of time with the engineers at POC fine-tuning the details. We and the riders are very happy with the result."
Availability and price
The POC Cytal Lite is now available via the manufacturer's website and in selected shops and online shops such as available here. The price is 350 euros or 399 Swiss francs. This places the ultra-light helmet in the upper price segment for road bike helmets. In return, POC promises a helmet that has been specially optimised for demanding mountain climbs and hot conditions. Long-term tests and use by professionals will ultimately show whether the investment is worthwhile for ambitious amateurs.
