You're familiar with the airbags in your car, and top skiers and bikers wear them too. Airbags are under full development in cycling. “We want to introduce it this year,” says engineer and entrepreneur Bert Seles on the Sporza Daily podcast.
“For neck, back, chest, hip and pelvis”
Wout van Aert and Jasper Stuyven had to end their spring season abruptly after taking a heavy fall yesterday at Dwars Door Vlaanderen.
Riders wear little protection other than a helmet. Will airbags gradually make their debut in cycling?
Engineer and entrepreneur Bert Seles is working on a system for cyclists. “Unfortunately, falling is part of the sport,” he knows. “That's why we look for protection to reduce the impact of such a fall.”
Insert the airbag. “Skaters, bikers, and bikers have been wearing them for some time,” Celis continues. “For cyclists, the race can become the race.”
The airbag for cyclists is in full development. “It protects your back, chest and neck. Because the airbag is in the cycling pants, it also protects the hip and pelvis, which are vulnerable places for cyclists.”
Safer and more aerodynamic
The cycling world is gradually becoming ready for this. British premier team Ineos is showing great interest in Bert Celis' airbag.
“They want to use the airbag, especially after the serious accident with Egan Bernal,” Celis says on our podcast.
“They are happy to accept 500 to 600 grams of weight gain, especially during training.”
(Read more below the picture)
Team Ineos (Photo: Egan Bernal) is a potential client.
In times of marginal gains, 500-600 grams of extra weight is not a selling point, but “every disadvantage has its own advantage.”
“You can fit the airbag perfectly in the occupant's wake,” explains developer Bert Seles. “This way you can improve aerodynamics.”
Something the trialists will have open ears to.
“At 50 km/h on a flat track, we measure a difference of 5 to 15 watts,” says Celis. “Because the rider with an airbag is more drop-shaped.” “Weight gain is therefore irrelevant.”
“30 seconds and you'll be riding again.”
Finally, what if the airbag explodes? Can the rider still race?
“You'll be back on the road in 30 seconds,” says Bert Seles. “The airbag consists of a cartridge that you can quickly remove. Once the team attaches a new cartridge, you can safely get back on the road.”
What are we waiting for?
“The airbag will appear more and more in training next year,” Celis assumes. “The development is almost complete, then we have to improve the airbag in the stadium and then we can present it to the big teams.”
If the airbag works, they should make it mandatory.
Renate Shuti
To race with an airbag, you have to wait for the green light from the International Cycling Union (UCI).
“Weight will be a difficult point, but if the airbag works, they should make it mandatory. Then the debate about 500 or 600 grams will end quickly,” Renate Schott believes.
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