POC release limited-edition Magdeleine Vallieres helmet
August 26, 2026
POC release limited-edition Magdeleine Vallieres helmet
POC and Magdeleine Vallieres join forces to celebrate a World Championship Year, with a unique limited-edition helmet.
To mark a season that changed the record books, POC has partnered with Magdeleine Vallieres — reigning UCI Road World Champion and EF Education–Oatly rider — on a limited-edition helmet created to celebrate a year in the rainbow bands and Mags’s unique perspective and character.
In September 2025, Vallieres soloed to the rainbow jersey in Kigali, Rwanda, becoming Canada's first-ever elite road race world champion in the sport's 98-year history. She arrived ranked 149th and largely unknown to most observers — a result of years spent riding in support of teammates in races like the Vuelta a España Femenina, the Giro d'Italia Women and the Tour de France Femmes.
Amber Stackhouse, POC’s Director of Global Sports Marketing, explained, “Mags is often described as selfless, hard-working, humble, and fun. She is just the kind of rider every team wants and needs. She also exudes a talent that was evident in Kigali, and her win was no surprise to those who know her. The victory was as exceptional as Mags. To celebrate the year, her perspective, her personality, and the next Worlds in Canada, we wanted to create a unique special edition together.”
Designed together with Mags, using the highly acclaimed POC Cytal helmet as the foundation, the design is based off a playful concept to tell the story of the ingredients — literal and personal — behind the making of a champion: the fleur-de-lis and maple leaf of her Québec pride, the corn and pure Canadian maple syrup that fuel her as much as any training block, and her race mantra, full commitment, no regrets. And underneath sits the same race-proven POC technology trusted at the highest level of the sport.
Commenting on the limited-edition, Magdeleine Vallieres added, “Being able to ride this year as the World Champion, and represent the rainbow jersey is such a privilege and high point in my career so far. But getting to this point is all based on where I have come from. When POC and I started creating a helmet design together, I knew immediately that I wanted my Canadian roots to shine through. The food, the people, the heritage have all played a role in forging the person and racer I am today. And what better way to celebrate a year as World Champion, especially as I head home to defend the title.”
In September, the UCI Road World Championships return to Montréal, Québec. It's the first time in 52 years, and the first ever in Vallieres' home province. Last year, she raced as an unmarked outsider. This year, she defends the rainbow jersey. Now, she's the woman everyone in the peloton is watching—on home roads, in front of a home crowd.
The mantra ‘full commitment, no regrets’, faces its biggest test yet, but one thing is clear: whether it's fuelled by maple syrup, corn, or the roar of local support on Montreal roadsides, Magdeleine Vallieres will always be a Champion.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Drawing on the aerodynamic and ventilation knowledge developed for the Cytal Carbon, the Cytal brings the same expertise to a helmet designed for road riders, developed to balance performance and protection.
Protection – Safety is the central role of a helmet, and the Cytal was developed with this as its priority. The EPS liner has variable density across the helmet, created by heat map evidence analysed by POC’s in-house tech and research team. It is an approach that produces a lightweight, naturally balanced helmet and enhances protection. The Cytal has been tested by Virginia Tech and has achieved a five-star rating.
Ventilation – The Cytal uses the Venturi effect, POC’s well-established and respected approach to airflow in its helmets. The integrated wing creates superior ventilation and cooling across the whole head. A precise wing shape increases air velocity and enhances cooling, while linear interior channels guide airflow through and out of the helmet, keeping the rider cool throughout.
Aerodynamics – The Cytal has benefitted from POC’s extensive CFD simulation, wind tunnel, and real-world testing. The integrated wing supports larger frontal ports of precise size and angles, allowing air intakes to capture and direct air through the helmet rather than around it. This significantly reduces the high-pressure zone at the front and improves a rider’s aerodynamic profile.
Mips – A seamlessly integrated Mips Air Node system enhances protection from angled (non-linear) impacts.
Fit system – The Cytal features a variable adjustment system, including removable front brow pads for enhanced ventilation, adjustable straps (up, down, side-to-side), and a vertical adjustment on the rear cradle, allowing each rider to fine-tune their fit.
Eye garage – Integrated eye garage to keep sunglasses securely in position.
Sizes – Small (50–56), Medium (54–59), Large (56–61).
Weight and certification
CE/EN: Small: 250 g / Medium: 270 g / Large: 300 g
CPSC: Small: 300 g / Medium: 320 g / Large: 340 g
Price
SEK 3.799 / NOK 3.999 / CHF 379 / JPY 57.000 / EUR 340 / GBP 310 / AUD 570 / NZD 620 / USD 380 / CAD 470 / DKK 2.699
NOTES TO EDITORS
PHOTOS BY
Grubers, Anouk Flesch and POC.
AVAILABILITY
The helmet is available now at poc.com and in select stores.
PRODUCT PAGE
Cytal
ABOUT POC
Born and based in Stockholm, Sweden, POC is a safety and performance pioneer on a global mission: protect lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one. Creating all types of protection for cycling and snow sports, POC uses research, scientific methods and rigorous testing in its pursuit of innovation.
CONTACT
press@poc.com