POC release a brand-new road helmet with a carbon wing

POC is proud to release its brand-new performance road helmet, the Cytal Carbon. Developed to establish a new benchmark in high-performance helmets, the Cytal Carbon pioneers a new approach to safety, aerodynamics, and ventilation, thanks in part to the inclusion of an advanced handmade carbon wing.

The Cytal Carbon, used and seen on many of the EF Pro Cycling riders in recent weeks, will be available immediately in selected online and retail stores and on www.poc.com.

Introducing the Cytal Carbon, Oscar Huss, Chief Product Officer at POC, said

"With the Cytal Carbon we asked ourselves how we could take our knowledge of developing high-performance road helmets and take it to another level of safety, aerodynamics and cooling. In particular, we wanted to enhance a rider's performance with even more ventilation and cooling, which is critical to human performance. By challenging conventional thinking, using unique materials and developing new shapes, we found an answer by creating a brand-new helmet and integrating a carbon wing handmade in Italy. And we are extremely positive about the result."

Aerodynamics

Ventilation and cooling are essential for modern performance, as is aerodynamics, and the Cytal Carbon has been subject to extensive CFD simulation, windtunnel testing, and real-world testing with EF Pro Cycling riders.

The Cytal Carbon's aerodynamic performance, especially at higher speeds, has also been improved. The integration of the carbon wing supports a different development approach to material design and has allowed for bigger frontal ports designed to cut through the air.

The precise size and angles of the Cytal Carbon frontal air intakes capture and lead air through the helmet instead of around it, significantly reducing the high-pressure zone at the front of the helmet. An aerodynamically optimized design manages residual air flowing over and around the helmet, reducing turbulence and maintaining a linear airflow off the helmet and rider, improving the helmet and rider's aerodynamic performance.

Safety

All POC helmets are built with safety and the POC mission as the cornerstone of the development and design process. Regular certification testing for the Cytal Carbon is a typical prerequisite, but the helmet has been subject to POC's expert in-house FEM (Finite Element Model) research and testing, which is a fundamental guide to innovation and material use in the development process. Created to question many more safety variables, our FEM modelling process ensures that we deliver products that live up to our internal safety demands and is the process that influenced the carbon wing. In addition, the process also inspired the Koridion core sandwiched between the wing's carbon sheets to enhance safety by managing and transferring forces across the helmet, strengthening the helmet's overall integrity.

POC uses its 'Whole Helmet Concept™' in all its helmet development and design to ensure that the helmet is greater than the sum of its parts. Details in the Cytal Carbon, such as material quality and shape, uni-body construction, precise EPS density zones, ergonomic straps, eye garage, and adjustment system for individual comfort and secure fit, all work seamlessly together. It is also the process and foundation that has led to Cytal Carbon achieving the highest (five-star) rating through Virginia Tech's independent testing.

The EF Pro Cycling performance team have been an integral part of the development process, as described by Andreas Klier, performance head, EF Pro Cycling:

"We know the importance of aerodynamics and the difference it can make in a race. And as we know more about human performance that can equally be said for cooling and ventilation, which is why having a helmet that excels at both is such an advantage. We spent a lot of time working with POC's engineers to fine-tune the details, and we, and the riders, are really positive with the results."