New collaboration aims to evaluate innovative spinal protection technology for cyclists.
Soudal Quick-Step and AG Insurance - Soudal have announced a new collaboration with technical apparel partner Castelli and Italian safety technology company RAGAZ, as part of the team's ongoing commitment to improving cycling safety.
The collaboration, which was announced at the team’s pre-Tour de France press conference in Barcelona, will focus on evaluating an innovative integrated airbag system developed by RAGAZ, designed to provide additional protection for a rider's spinal column in the event of a crash. The system has been developed to integrate directly into cycling apparel while maintaining the comfort, freedom of movement and performance required in elite competition.
For the Wolfpack, the project represents another step in the team's long-standing commitment to rider safety. From equipment selection and rider education through to initiatives such as our Shine for Safety campaign, the team continues to support projects and technologies that have the potential to make cycling safer for riders at every level of the sport.
Soudal Quick-Step and AG Insurance - Soudal kit sponsor Castelli will play a key role in the project through its expertise in technical apparel development, helping explore how innovative protection technologies can be incorporated into high-performance cycling clothing.
Founded by mechanical engineer Francesco Ragazzini, RAGAZ has spent more than a decade developing technologies aimed at protecting cyclists from some of the most serious consequences of crashes. Its integrated airbag system is designed specifically to protect the spine, one of the areas of the body that remains particularly vulnerable in high-speed cycling accidents.
Speaking of the announcement, Soudal Quick-Step and AG Insurance - Soudal CEO Jurgen Foré explained: “Safety has never been something we treat as a single project or campaign. It is a responsibility that influences many of the decisions we make as a team, as rider protection and visibility is crucial in everything we do.
We are happy to support innovation that can contribute to a safer environment in cycling.
“We have been closely following the recent evolutions in airbag technology for cyclists. The solution that RAGAZ and Castelli are developing, is the first development that has the right dimensions to be used in pro-cycling: it protects a crucial area of the athlete’s body, whilst having dimensions and weight that is suitable for elite sport. We are looking forward to contributing to further development of it and wearing it during training and competition.”
Also speaking at the event was Francesco Ragazzini, founder of RAGAZ, who said: "For many years, our objective has been simple: to develop a solution capable of protecting one of the most important and vulnerable parts of the cyclist's body without compromising performance or comfort."
To be able to discuss and evaluate this project alongside organisations such as Soudal Quick-Step, AG Insurance - Soudal and Castelli is an important step in the development of the technology.
"Their expertise and understanding of elite cycling provide invaluable insight as we continue refining the system."
And this was added to by Steve Smith, Global Brand Manager at Castelli, who said: “Safety is a focus area for Castelli’s partnership with Soudal Quick-Step and AG Insurance - Soudal. We have taken the step of improving visibility, experimented with abrasion protection, and now with the development with Ragaz for the integration of an airbag system. We want to provide a system that protects serious injuries yet is practical for everyday use. This system is already lightweight and easy to use, and this collaboration will further develop the project to bring real protection to cyclists everywhere.”
The collaboration will initially focus on technical evaluation and development of RAGAZ, bringing together expertise from professional cycling, apparel design and safety engineering to explore new approaches to rider protection that can help make the sport safer for professional and amateur riders alike.
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel