At the 2006 Tour de France, Giro will debut a new prototype road race helmet, named Ionos (pronounced ‘i–ah-nOs’). Here’s what they have to say about it:

The members of the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team, the Rabobank Team and the Phonak Team will ride in Ionos prototypes throughout the Tour de France. All combined, these three teams will log approximately 50,000 miles wearing the Ionos, providing them with feedback on fit, ventilation, styling and performance.

The most notable feature of the Ionos is the one that pro riders demand first – massive vents. There are 21 active Wind Tunnel vents in the Ionos, and they cool the riders by pulling fresh air into the helmet and circulating it through a system of internal channels while forcing heat out of the helmet. This is the same technology found in our famed Atmos and Pneumo helmets, but it’s pushed to a new level of performance in the Ionos.

Giro’s latest lid

The other prominent feature on the Ionos is a visible weave of carbon composite at key areas of the helmet’s surface. This is a revolutionary reinforcement structure called In-mold Carbon Reinforcement, which runs throughout the helmet’s liner and around the vents. The I.C.R. is a unique design made from carbon composite that is ‘tuned’ to provide incredible structural support, impact dispersion and resistance to penetration. It plays a significant role in the Ionos’ ability to manage impacts, and it reduces the helmet’s overall weight as well. Other features include our patented Roc Loc 4 system, which provides vertical and lateral fit and stability adjustments, and In-mold construction for lighter weight with enhanced durability.

Available from Ultimate Pursuits stores.