'A true technological breakthrough' – Van Rysel launches airbag skinsuit designed for WorldTour peloton

French cycling brand Van Rysel has unveiled an innovative airbag skinsuit designed to enhance rider safety in professional road racing. Known as Project Airbag, the suit integrates an airbag system that deploys within 60 milliseconds to protect critical areas such as the rib cage, thorax, neck, and spine. Weighing approximately 700 grams, the skinsuit is fully integrated rather than layered over or under other clothing, representing a significant advancement in protective cycling apparel. Developed in collaboration with aerodynamics experts Swiss Side, the suit is currently undergoing final testing with Van Rysel’s WorldTour team, Decathlon CMA CGM. Prominent riders like Tiesj Benoot and Paul Seixas have likely trialled the technology, although its introduction into professional pelotons is not immediate. Van Rysel is actively involved in ongoing UCI discussions aimed at standardising airbag safety equipment for racing, signalling a potential future shift in rider protection regulations. Van Rysel’s CEO, Dominique Serieys, emphasises the suit’s potential to reduce mental strain on riders by alleviating fears of injury, thereby enhancing performance. He describes the technology as a “true breakthrough” in a sport that continues to increase in speed and risk. The suit’s sophisticated detection algorithms analyse rider movements at a rate of 1,000 times per second, drawing on data from over 450 million kilometres to ensure rapid and accurate deployment during crashes. The development of Project Airbag responds to the persistent problem of crashes and injuries in the WorldTour, where around 20 per cent of riders suffer fractures each season. Over the past six years, 1,300 fractures have been recorded, underscoring the urgent need for improved protection. Van Rysel’s product manager, Jocelyn Bar, likens the introduction of the airbag suit to the adoption of helmets two decades ago, highlighting the importance of extending protection beyond the head to safeguard the entire body. As testing continues, Van Rysel aims to refine the technology further with the goal of eventual race use. The company’s commitment to rider safety reflects a broader shift in professional cycling towards embracing advanced protective measures, potentially marking a new era in how athletes are shielded from the inherent dangers of high-speed competition.