Getting Under the Shell of Rapha + POC Helmets

Crashing is, sadly, something we’re all going to go through as riders at some point. Whether it’s down to a slippery piece of tarmac, loose gravel or banging bars in a race, it’s a reality of the sport. It is, therefore, crucial to mitigate the impact.

Historically, cycling helmet safety standards have relied on linear impact testing, simulating a straight, vertical drop. While essential for preventing skull fractures, these measures often fail to account for the physics of a real-world crash.

When you’re riding, falls almost always occur at an oblique angle, that’s to say not at a 90 degree angle. When your helmet strikes the road this way, it creates rotational force that can cause the brain to slide within the skull. Basic, linear laboratory tests are no longer enough; protection optimised for real-world situations requires an understanding of how rotational energy affects neural tissue. That’s where MIPS comes in as a brain protection system.

The Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) is a layer of safety engineering that experts recognise as a definitive advancement in the sport. The system is built around a low-friction layer sitting between the helmet liner and the rider's head.

This technology mimics the body’s natural defence: cerebrospinal fluid. Just as this fluid allows the brain to move slightly within the skull, the MIPS layer permits 10–15mm of relative movement in all directions during the critical first milliseconds of a crash. By allowing this controlled "slip", the helmet redirects and absorbs the harmful rotational energy that would otherwise be transferred to the brain. The good news? Rapha + POC helmets are fitted with MIPS technology. 

Professional-Grade Protection

At the highest level of the sport, safety is paramount. This commitment to technical excellence is why we have partnered with POC, a brand at the forefront of protective engineering.

The new Rapha + POC Cytal and Omne helmets are engineered for the rigours of professional racing and ultra-endurance tests. These helmets solve the problems faced by our athletes in the most demanding conditions, at high speeds or on treacherous terrain. Explore our selection of helmets, featuring integrated MIPS technology in new, sophisticated colourways.