Since 1 January 2026, the UCI rulebook separates two types of road helmet. The rule is short, and it has consequences for some aero helmets.

The two classes

Traditional helmet. It needs at least three air intakes. It must not cover the ears. It must not have a visor, fixed or removable.

Time trial helmet. None of those limits apply to the shape. The limit is on the use instead: the helmet is allowed only in the individual time trial and the team time trial.

Where each class applies

The UCI splits the competitions into two groups. The first group holds the time trials, individual and team. The second group holds everything else: mass-start road races, stage races, one-day races and criteriums.

In the second group only the traditional helmet is allowed.

What the rule really hits

Over the years, aero helmets for the road have become more and more closed. Some models now resemble time trial helmets, with covers over the ears and a visor. That is exactly where the rule bites.

One example is the POC Procen Air. It passes the three-intake test. It fails on the ear covers and the visor. That is why, since 1 January 2026, it can no longer be ridden in a mass-start race.

So the rule does not ban aerodynamics. It draws a line between a race helmet and a time trial shell.

And the helmets in our range?

We checked our helmet range against the criteria. The result is unremarkable.

No road helmet with us covers the ears. None has a visor. That holds for the models from MET, Kask, Lazer and Giro alike — from the MET Trenta 3K Carbon through the Kask Utopia Y and the Lazer Sphere to the Giro Aether MIPS. Even the more aerodynamic models such as the MET Manta and the MET Rivale stay in the traditional class.

There is one exception, and it is sold as one: the MET Drone Wide Body II. The helmet weighs 430 grams and has a Mag-Clip Shield, which is a visor. It is a time trial and triathlon helmet. Under the new rule it belongs in the time trial class, and so in the individual or team time trial.

That is not bad news about the helmet. It was never meant for the mass start. The rule only confirms what it is.

Does this affect you at all?

This only applies if you race under the UCI rulebook. For the evening loop, for training and for the Sunday ride, nothing changes.

For a marathon or a Gran Fondo it pays to ask the organiser. Many races adopt the UCI rulebook or the rules of the national federation. If you ride an aero helmet with ear covers and plan a start, clear it beforehand.

What you take from this

If you buy a helmet today and want to race in it, check three things: does it cover the ears? Does it have a visor? Does it have at least three air intakes?

With a classically vented race helmet all three answers are fine. Take care only with the very closed aero models.