Followers of Tour de France technical coverage will already know that the Intermarche Wanty team, which includes star sprinter Biniam Guillemay, has two of Uvex's latest helmets at its disposal, each. One has ventilation holes in the helmet and the other has a plug-in cover glued in place so as not to violate UCI Regulation 1.3.013: "It is forbidden to put removable covers on helmets.

And now Uvex has revealed the details of the new helmets the team will be using and selling, and the good news for riders not competing in UCI sanctioned races is that they can easily decide whether to go more aero or more ventilated since the covers do not need to be glued on. more aero or more ventilated, since there is no need to glue the cover in place.

According to Uvex, in designing the Surge Aero MIPS (or more accurately, the uvex surge aero MIPS, since Uvex is using lower case letters), the company took input from pros, including Girmay, and created a wide opening in the front edge of the helmet to allow for good ventilation.

The cover is made of a thin, lightweight material that is easy to clean.

With the cover, Uvex claims improved aerodynamics for high-speed finishes. However, no definite wattage has been disclosed. The large vents are due to Uvex's integrated cage, which reduces the thickness of the cross brace and improves the helmet's stability.

The helmet incorporates MIPS Air Nodes, which are integrated into the helmet's padding rather than forming a separate sliding-plane layer within the helmet shell as in "standard" MIPS.

The Uvex Surge Aero MIPS is Uvex's new top-of-the-line model and is said to weigh 290g. It is priced at €249.95, comes in five colors and three sizes, and fits heads from 53 cm to 61 cm.

A non-MIPS option weighing 260 g is also available and retails for €199.95; some budget helmets with MIPS are available for more.

Uvex is perhaps better known for its sunglasses than its helmets, and has a sunglass design that matches the Surge Aero MIPS. Uvex Pace Stage CV glasses with large lenses have been used in the Intermarché Wanty at the Tour de France.

With contrast-enhancing lenses, Uvex's anti-mist coating, and an easy-to-clean water repellent finish, the Uvex Pace Stage CV is priced at €139.95 and fits neatly into the side vents of the Surge Aero MIPS.

Lazer also has an aero cover for helmets and holds the Aeroshell patent. It performs the same function as the Uvex design, but clips over the entire top of the helmet in addition to blocking the vents. It is marketed as making the helmet more aero, but it is also useful when riding in the rain or in cold weather, keeping your head happier.