STOCKHOLM (BRAIN) — POC is adding MIPS technology to its Octal road helmet; the Garmin-Sharp pro team will use the new model at the Vuelta a España, which begins Saturday.
MIPS (Multidirectional Impact Protection System) is a technology licensed from a Swedish company; it aims to reduce rotational forces on the brain by allowing a controlled rotation of the helmet relative to the head in angled impacts. MIPS is licensed by several helmet makers, including Scott Sports; POC has seven other models (for mountain biking and skiing) with MIPS, but the new Octal AVIP MIPS will be its first road helmet with it. The new model will be available at retail early next year.
Also at the Vuelta, the Garmin team will debut a new sunglass-and-helmet technology called Eye Park, which the team helped develop. Eye Park includes magnets on the helmet and glasses, allowing riders to push the glasses up off their faces when necessary.
"The idea was born at a training camp in Mallorca," said Garmin-Sharp rider Nathan Haas. "I shared a thought I had about using magnets on the helmet and eyewear, to avoid having to take your glasses on and off and put them in pockets or the team car. POC listened and here we are."
