The Giro d’Italia 2025 kicked off in Albania, revealing a wave of exciting new cycling technology. From futuristic helmets to a prototype Campagnolo groupset, here are five standout tech highlights from the race’s early stages.
Campagnolo’s Mysterious New 13-Speed Groupset
A new 13-speed groupset was spotted on Cofidis rider Stefano Oldani’s bike. It seems Campagnolo has merged its 12-speed Super Record Wireless with the 13-speed Ekar gravel groupset. This fusion introduces a return of the popular thumb shifters, located inside the hoods, a design left behind with the 2023 release.
Campagnolo has confirmed that a new chapter is beginning for the brand. A spokesperson said they are working on a fresh innovation and product strategy that aims to serve different market segments. The brand’s return to the WorldTour with Cofidis signals a renewed commitment to elite performance.
Scott’s New Time Trial Helmet Joins the ‘Spaceship’ Trend
The evolution of time trial helmets continues. Scott has introduced a new, unreleased helmet with a large, aerodynamic design. It was worn by Q36.5’s riders in the second stage time trial. Tom Pidcock also wore a special Red Bull-branded version, thanks to his personal sponsorship.
The helmet features a flared design similar to POC’s Tempor, Sweet Protection’s Redeemer 2Vi, and Giro’s Aerohead II. This design is intended to improve airflow over the rider’s body for better performance.
XDS Astana Launches New Road and TT Helmets
Astana has switched helmet suppliers from Limar to their title sponsor, XDS. The team also rides XDS bikes and debuted new road and time trial helmets at the Giro. Performance engineer Alex Dowsett said both designs were tested in wind tunnels and proved highly aerodynamic.
“The road helmet is super aerodynamic,” Dowsett said. “The TT helmet may not win fashion awards, but it’s fast, and I’m happy with the result.”
Lidl-Trek Riders Use Unmarked Helmets for Time Trials
Time trial helmets worn by Lidl-Trek riders this season may look unusual—they’re plain white and lack any branding. That’s because Trek, the team’s helmet supplier, doesn’t make a time trial model. The team tested various helmets in velodromes and wind tunnels to choose the best fit for each rider.
As a result, different riders used different brands during stage two’s time trial, including the Giro Aerohead II and MET Drone Wide Body II. For standard road stages, the team continues to use Trek’s Ballista helmet.
EF Education-EasyPost Reveals New White Kit
EF Education-EasyPost has made another stylish switch for the Giro. Since teams must avoid colors that clash with leader jerseys, Rapha has designed a special white kit for the squad. It features the same pattern as their usual pink design, offering a sleek and clean alternative.
In previous years, EF’s Giro kits have stood out with bold designs, including multicolored patterns, recycled materials, and even a cartoon duck in a 2020 collaboration with Palace.
Conclusion
The Giro d’Italia 2025 has already delivered exciting developments in cycling technology. From aerodynamic helmets to experimental groupsets, teams are using every advantage to gain a competitive edge. These tech innovations highlight the sport’s constant push for performance and style.
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