Cavendish's Helmet at Worlds

[Pursuit]

Sorry if this is a repeat question.

Does anybody know what Cavendish had on his helmet? When you look at the photos it appears it was a clear shell/film attached to it. Looking at the Specialized website I can't find any such device/attachment. It would make the helmet a little more aero which is likely the reason he had it on.

Any thoughts? Has anybody seen this on any other rider?

Thanks,

 

[MartinGT]

According to Velo News, the helmet was infact illegal!

 

[theyoungest]

Matthew Goss the new world champion?

 

[SimonC]

I thought it was very accuratley applied cling film

 

[bobbins]

Helmet covers have been used many times this season and nothing said by the UCI so why would they at the worlds?

 

[Boardslide]

According to Velo News, the helmet was infact illegal!

I think Velo News has it's facts wrong as Matt Brammeier used one of the same Specialized helmets earlier in the year at one of the races. He actually has a picture of it on his twitter page.

 

[Andy99]

sky have been using helmets with closed off vents in many races this year.

I guess it is some marginal gain nonsense that has rubbed off on Cav courtesy of GB.

 

[MartinGT]

I think Velo News has it's facts wrong as Matt Brammeier used one of the same Specialized helmets earlier in the year at one of the races. He actually has a picture of it on his twitter page.

Doesnt make it legal though does it?

 

[hrotha]

I'd have thought the vents were there for a good reason (transpiration and refrigeration are nice, comfortable things), not to comply with some silly rules.

 

[MartinGT]

I think the weather on the day was ok for closed vents though. If it was boiling then no chance

 

[William H]

I think it's mostly psychological. You give your riders special go faster equipment for a big race and it gives them a boost.

 

[Boardslide]

Doesnt make it legal though does it?

I was just saying it was a Specialized helmet and been used before in other UCI races. I'm sure Specialized would have checked the legality of it's products.

 

[simo1733]

Why would it be illegal.There are no rules requiring vents in your helmet.
Are there?

 

[just some guy]

Why would it be illegal.There are no rules requiring vents in your helmet.
Are there?

There is a weird rule about not allowing aerodynamic products - I read when Bont had their new shoe.

I know think ITT but by the letter of the law if I remember not allowed

 

[MartinGT]

From Velo News

What baffles me about them is whether or not they are actually legal. As a fairing or aerodynamic aid, especially one NOT sold to the public, they are illegal. Clearly the officials didn’t take issue with them.

As I understand it, if the outer shell of the helmet is permanent, like the Team Sky Kasks, they are allowed. But Cavendish appeared to have a clear cover over an existing Specialized Prevail helmet.

Cavendish used every item in his aero arsenal to help in Copenhagen, with the exception of shoe covers. He rode a Venge McLaren, Zipp 404 rims laced to Shimano hubs, his helmet cover and a very slick looking ¾ sleeve skinsuit.

Second place Matt Goss raced on a Tarmac, in a normal Prevail helmet and wore a jersey and separate bib shorts. In a race decided by inches, Cav may have won before he started the race.

 

[Basecase]

Bull$hit

Cab wudda won regardless

 

[usedtobefast]

Bull$hit

Cab wudda won regardless

and the cover was there for 2 reasons, less airflow, and better airflow.
it can make a helmet better when the weather is cold and or wet. and maybe
it will increase airflow over the head, but how much?not much,eh?