Core Core, the manufacturer of temperature sensors, announced in 2024 the official sponsorship of the UCI World Tour 10 teams and issued additional 150 new sensors this season to other World Tour riders. 

We understand that Tadej Pogacar - the photo above recently wore the unit at Strade Bianche and UAE Emirates is not sponsored by Core and has purchased its own sensors. However, the brand claims that up to 2/3rds of pro peloton now use sensors that help optimize thermal adaptive training. 

The core sensor is a small wearable unit that uses Bluetooth or ANT+ signals to provide accurate core temperature, skin temperature, thermal strain index and thermal strain score. The unit itself is built with the Swiss made Calera thermal energy transfer sensor. 

Core says it is the most accurate non-invasive wearable for core temperature monitoring on the market. The brand says working with professional teams is revolutionizing its approach to thermoregulation and how riders train and race in the heat.

While keeping cool in the heat to ensure optimal performance is nothing new, riders and teams seem to be more aware than ever of how rising core temperatures can harm power output. 

"Top riders and teams know that power is lost when the temperature of the core body rises. One study revealed a 1% power loss for every 5 degree increase in core temperature," said Ross McGraw, VP and head of core.

Using the knowledge provided by the sensors, can riders even aim to ride up to core temperatures,'McGraw continued, "Another [study] cited a 2.5% increase in hemoglobin mass after heat training. At this level of impact, the core can often be the difference between the rider being at the top of the podium or away from the back." 

Core states that huge amounts of data are being collected as a result of partnerships with professional teams. The brand claims to be able to provide analysis of this data and provide support to the team. The Core State team is testing the thermoregulatory properties of the kit to optimize hydration for individual athletes.

Dan Lorang, Head Performance Coach at Bora-Hansgrohe, said, "Using CORE to monitor the core body temperature of Bora-Hansgrohe riders was a game changer. The use of core sensors has a significant impact on the development of certain pre-race warm-up procedures, optimal fluid intake and clothing selection."

The sensor does not appear to violate UCI rules and it is legal to use it in the competition, unlike the glucose monitoring sensor that was disqualified Kristen Faulkner at Strade Bianche last year.

Core says it aims to improve the usability experience of the Core app for non-professional athletes who simply want to better understand their bodies. Usability updates and new features will be available later this year.