As the biggest race on the pro calendar is just 10 days away, POC is releasing this year’s limited edition of the Ventral Air MIPS that EF Education-EasyPost is will be using at this year’s Tour de France, and you can get one as well.
The Helmet
The helmet itself is a standard Ventral Air MIPS you can buy off the shelf, but it’s the unique colors that were previously only available to the team that make it special.
The Ventral Air MIPS is the highly ventilated version of the Ventral family, which would fit into the aero road category for the brand. Compared to the Ventral MIPS, The Air adds additional vents along the side and upper portions of the helmet while keeping the same shape to provide an aerodynamic form compared to some of the other helmets they offer. The vents are designed to help pass air through at both high and low speeds to keep you cool all throughout the ride, while also helping reduce drag. It features a full polycarbonate shell that wraps around and under the bottom of the helmet to help protect it when you are not using it.
Inside, POC uses a fairly standard EPS liner that has been shaped to create channels for air to flow quickly through the helmet and move warm air out. A MIPS liner has been built into the helmet to provide additional rotational impact protection without blocking airflow. The adjustable 360-degree fit system provides a comfortable, secure fit with the rear dial and adjustable height cradle. The side webbing straps meet at an adjustable splitter and down to the chin strap. Finally, there are grippy pads on the inside of the outer front vents to help dock your glasses when not wearing them.
Another unique feature is the TwICEme NFC Digital Medical ID chip. This NFC chip allows emergency responders access to your emergency information through their devices when you are unable to respond. A special logo on the helmet alerts responders to this feature.
“Success in professional racing is built on performance and our helmets combine the best in weight, ventilation and safety,” explains Jonathan Vaughters, EF Education-EasyPost. “And the success of professional teams is ultimately down to the fans that support and inspire us. POC helmets are unique and have the ability to maximize the team and rider’s potential, and we are overjoyed that all our fans will now be able to be head to toe in pink and benefit from the same products our riders do.”
The Design
Now, for the reason you are interested in this one over a standard Ventral Air MIPS, the graphics and colors. EF Education-EasyPost has been known for their pink kits for a number of years now, carrying on from other classic pink kits like the Deutsche Telekom/T-Mobile teams, or the iconic Once Tour de France edition kits.
The team edition of the helmet brings various shades of pink to represent the past, present, and future of the team. The colors are set in blocks, which aligns with the special design of the team kit for the Tour. Not available in the standard colors, the straps and retention system are all in a matching pink color. Sponsor graphics from both EF Education and EasyPost are also included on the helmet.
“Cycling has some of the most dedicated fans around,” added Lina Elfstrand, Chief Marketing Officer at POC. “Watch any race and you will see roadsides littered with fans in awe of the proximity to and exploits of their heroes. Dressed in pink, encouraging and motivating riders through thick and thin, rain or shine, EF Education-EasyPost fans are easy to spot. We wanted to celebrate and support them by creating the helmet they have long asked us for, so they can support and emulate their idols out on the road.”
The Limited Edition helmet is available now through POC’s website and retailers. At $280, the helmet is a $20 upcharge over a standard Ventral Air MIPS. It is available in standard S (50-56CM) M (54-59CM) and L (56-61CM) sizes.
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