A Pro Cycling Skinsuit Now Comes With an Airbag

For professional cyclists, a high-speed crash is a constant, terrifying risk. Soon, their primary defense might not just be a helmet, but the suit they're wearing. Van Rysel, a brand known for performance gear, is finalizing a race-ready skinsuit with a built-in airbag system, developed with airbag specialist In&motion. It's undergoing pro rider testing now, with a consumer version expected within two years.

The initiative gained momentum after cycling's governing body, the UCI, requested better protective equipment for riders reaching unprecedented speeds. This solution integrates the technology directly into the suit's fabric, avoiding bulky add-ons. The entire system weighs approximately 700 grams, with the airbag components accounting for 500 grams—far lighter than systems used in motorcycle racing.

When sensors detect an imminent crash, the airbag inflates in 60 milliseconds. It's designed to shield the upper body's vulnerable areas: the core, neck, and spine. The suit itself is aerodynamic and uses abrasion-resistant material to mitigate road rash.

Van Rysel product manager Jocelyn Bar framed the development as a necessary evolution. "Behind every race number, there's a human being," Bar said. "It's still accepted that a rider can lose everything in an instant. Helmets were the standard twenty years ago. We believe airbag technology can be that standard today, but we're looking beyond just protecting the head."

Source: The Verge