Castelli and Soudal Quick-Step Unveil an Ultra-Light Spine Airbag Ahead of the Tour

Today, Castelli, Soudal Quick-Step, AG Insurance Soudal, and Italian start-up RAGAZ are announcing a partnership on a new airbag rider protection system. This is not the first airbag system we’ve seen announced, but this time it’s looking very finished, and part of that is because Castelli has chosen to keep a very tight focus.

While we’ve seen other competitors attempt to protect more of the rider, that comes with challenges. The more protection you attempt to add, the more bulk and potential aerodynamic drag. Van Rysel and Aerobag have worked around this through a ”collaboration with aerodynamic specialists Swiss Side, with the aim of matching the performance of a traditional WorldTour suit.” Castelli has taken the concept in a different direction.

Instead of trying to do everything, this Castelli and RAGAZ collaboration is looking to only protect a rider’s spine. The form factor is a very small pouch that sits below the pockets on an extended drop tail. Not only does this focus avoid any aerodynamic issues, bulk is kept in check. Castelli claims that “the system weighs approximately the same as two energy gels” which would equate to roughly 70 grams.

As expected, part of that weight is the battery. The battery allows for a 200ms inflation time in the event of a crash and the whole system is removable. This is after all clothing and Castelli shared that not only does removal aid charging but also “hassle-free washing.” For those worried, RAGAZ has also accounted for accidental inflation by including a smart deflation feature. Should something trigger the system, or if there’s a misfire, the airbag will deflate and won’t leave a rider permanently restricted.

With these features, the prototype will now enter technical evaluation. Soudal Quick-Step CEO Jurgen Foré explained that riders will be “wearing it during training and competition.”

Although this announcement is coming on the eve of the 2026 Tour de France, none of the partners involved are making any specific claims with regards to the Tour. Soudal Quick-Step CEO Jurgen Foré noted that this is the first airbag system to arrive with the right, compact dimensions to actually be suitable for elite sport without a performance penalty; however that is a step short of saying it’ll be used. Regardless of whether we see it though, this isn’t aimed only at professionals. According to Castelli Global Brand Manager Steve Smith, the project is explicitly aiming for high adoption among everyday recreational riders.

For more information, visit the Castelli website.