A Simple Guide to the 2027 UCI Track Cycling Helmet Rules

The next common track cycling equipment question is already taking shape: will my helmet still be legal in 2027?

The answer is not that aerodynamic helmets are being banned.

From 1 January 2027, the UCI will divide track helmets into two categories: Traditional Helmets and Time Trial Helmets. A traditional helmet can be used in every track event. A time-trial helmet can only be used in a specified group of timed events.

That distinction matters more than whether a manufacturer describes a helmet as aero, road, sprint, pursuit or track. The name on the box does not decide where it can be raced. Its UCI category and the event do.

The Rule In Simple Terms

A Traditional Helmet is permitted in every UCI track event.

A Time Trial Helmet is restricted to individual pursuit, team pursuit, kilometre time trial, team sprint and the 200 metres time trial.

The Flying 200 And Match Sprint Use Different Rules

The sprint competition creates the most likely point of confusion.

Under the latest amendment issued 8 June 2026, a rider may use either category of helmet for the flying-200 qualifying ride. Once the head-to-head sprint rounds begin, a time-trial helmet is no longer permitted.

A sprinter can therefore use a traditional helmet throughout, or use a time-trial helmet for qualifying and change to a traditional helmet for the match-sprint rounds. The rule changes between the two phases of the competition.

What Is A Traditional Helmet?

The word traditional does not mean that the helmet has to be round, slow or old-fashioned. A modern aerodynamic road-style helmet can still qualify.

Under the 2027 UCI specification, a traditional helmet must:

• have at least three distinct air-inlet openings in the shell structure;
• leave the rider's ears uncovered and unobstructed when viewed from the side;
• be used without an integrated or detachable visor, or another shield-like attachment; and
• remain within the maximum dimensions of 450 mm long, 300 mm wide and 210 mm high, including accessories.

It must also meet an official safety standard, be worn as the manufacturer intended and satisfy the applicable UCI approval requirements.

The practical consequence is that an aerodynamic shell is not automatically a time-trial helmet. Ventilation, ear coverage, visor design and the helmet's approved classification all matter.

An example of a traditional helmet is Lazer Vento KinetiCore Helmet

What Is A Time Trial Helmet?

A time-trial helmet is subject to the same maximum dimensions, but not the traditional category's restrictions on ventilation, ear coverage or visors. It may have fewer than three air inlets, extend over the ears and use an integrated or detachable visor.

Those features remain legal where time-trial helmets are permitted. The change is that the helmet can no longer move freely between every track discipline.

The most popular helmets within professional Track Cycling over the last few years are the Lazer Victor KinetiCore Helmet and the Lazer Volante KinetiCore Helmet used by nearly all Track Cyclists in the majority of events. From 1 January 2027 these helmets will be classified as Time Trial Helmets.

Can I Remove The Visor And Use My Time Trial Helmet In A Sprint Or Keirin?

No, removing the visor only addresses one part of the traditional-helmet specification. The helmet may still cover the ears, have too few air inlets or be approved by the UCI only as a time-trial helmet.

Riders should not assume that removing one component changes the helmet's category. The reliable answer comes from the confirmed UCI status of the exact model and configuration, not from judging its shape at home.

Are Sunglasses Still Allowed?

Yes. The UCI defines a visor as a fixed or attached shield that cannot be worn independently of the helmet. Separate cycling glasses are not an integrated helmet visor and can be used with a traditional helmet, provided they give proper eye protection.

For sprint, keirin or bunch racing, a traditional helmet with separate glasses is the straightforward solution.

Can I Check The Maximum Dimensions Myself?

Both categories share the same maximum envelope: 450 mm long, 300 mm wide and 210 mm high, including accessories such as the visor/lense.

Will My Current Track Helmet Become Illegal?

Not necessarily. The change restricts where time-trial helmets can be used; it does not make every existing track helmet obsolete.

A current aerodynamic road-style helmet may qualify as traditional and remain usable everywhere. A visor-equipped helmet may remain legal in the named timed events but cease to be legal for sprint rounds, keirin or bunch racing.

That is the important change: a helmet used legally in an event during 2026 may not be legal for the same event from 1 January 2027. Check the model, its approved configuration and the event.

What About National And Domestic Track Events?

The rule takes effect for UCI competition on 1 January 2027. National federations and organisers are most likely to incorporate the UCI technical rules into their own regulations.

Which Helmet Should I Buy?

If you race sprint rounds, keirin, bunch racing or a mixture of track events, a confirmed traditional helmet is the one-helmet solution.

If you race individual pursuit, team pursuit, the kilometre, team sprint or the flying 200, a confirmed time-trial helmet remains a performance option. It is not an entry requirement: a traditional helmet is still legal in each of those events.

For a sprinter trying to optimise the flying 200, a two-helmet setup may make sense. For anyone wanting one uncomplicated answer, choose a traditional helmet confirmed for all track events.

Do not buy from the product name alone. Buy from a product page that states the category, permitted events and approval status clearly.

Our example above using the Lazer helmets shows a practical example of a suitable "Traditional Helmet" and "Time Trial Helmet" for 2027

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