At the time trial on stage 7 of the Giro d’Italia, on May 10, 2024, Rudy Project‘s new Wingdream time trial helmet will make its official debut.
Spotted for the first time in a ‘wrapped’ version at Tirreno-Adriatico, the final version of the aero TT helmet will bear the colours of Team Bahrain Victorious, with whom Rudy Project has been a partner since 2016.
The result of two years of development and a series of indoor and outdoor tests, the Wingdream’s special shape directs the airflow towards a rider’s shoulders, enhancing aerodynamics.
From internal tests conducted in a wind tunnel by Rudy Project, the new helmet allows an energy saving of almost 10 watts compared to Wing, the previous time trial model from the Italian company. This translates to about four seconds saved every 10km, equivalent to more than a minute, for example, over an IRONMAN bike distance (180km).
When compared to a traditional road model, the new Wingdream allows a gain of 306 seconds over an IRONMAN bike leg (180km), assuming a constant power of 200W.
Like its predecessors, the new helmet has also been certified by third-party international bodies, bolstering its safety credentials, from impact tests to rotational tests.
Furthermore, UCI approval allows its use in all pro and amateur cycling events. The helmet debuted in February this year with a preliminary version, camouflaged with a wrap, worn by Team Bahrain Victorious athletes during time trials at the Tirreno-Adriatico, Paris-Nice, and the Tour de Romandie.
Simone Barbazza, Marketing Director at Rudy Project, said “Presenting Wingdream, I feel a deep sense of pride for what we have achieved with this revolutionary helmet. It is not only a step forward in aerodynamic studies, but also a testament to Rudy Project’s dedication to achieving excellence.
“Every detail of Wingdream has been meticulously crafted, reflecting our relentless pursuit to combine safety, comfort, and performance. Besides marking significant progress in competitive cycling gear, this helmet embodies our philosophy that performance starts on your head.”
Norberto Fava, Head of Helmet Production & Industrialization at Rudy Project, added “Helmet development is a world akin to Formula One: it requires engineering creativity, 3D studies, prototypes, wind tunnel tests, and athlete testing.
“There is a lot of research behind a product like this, which is subjected to continuous checks by the UCI and certification bodies. And, of course, there are significant financial investments. Many models available on the market today do not feature vents. Both Wing and Wingdream, on the other hand, have central vents to ventilate the cranial vault area.
“Our challenge was precisely to create a helmet that allowed good aerodynamic savings, while also being comfortable. Head temperature management is crucial: cyclists push at speeds exceeding 45 km/h for 40 minutes during a time trial, triathletes even longer. The benefits of aerodynamic penetration are quickly nullified if the head overheats.”
Martin Toft Madsen, Aero & Material Consultant for Team Bahrain Victorious, said “With the Wingdream helmet, we’ve truly focused on increasing aerodynamic efficiency. Together with Rudy Project, we’ve expanded its structure to allow the airflow to move more smoothly from the head to the shoulders and back of the athlete.
“The rear has been slightly widened for an overall more aerodynamic shape and better airflow control. Aware that the head position varies, we’ve optimized the design for the most common posture, still ensuring high performance even in less frequent conditions, such as strong crosswinds.
“The Wingdream incorporates everything that, with Rudy Project, we’ve learned from professional athletes and time trialists, offering a product that can make a difference in races like Ironman, with a potential saving of precious minutes.”
The Wingdream helmet, designed for triathletes, and cyclists engaged in time trial races, will be available to the public in two sizes and two colours from October 2024.
This new model joins the other helmets that Rudy Project provides to Team Bahrain Victorious: the Egos, designed to maximize ventilation and intended for hot days; the Nytron, a ventilated aerodynamic helmet; and the Nytron Pro, more focused on aerodynamic efficiency.
