Sweat and respiratory sensors herald a fresh era of minute performance enhancements
In the world of competitive cycling, the pursuit of performance optimization and risk reduction is a constant endeavour. This year, the Tour de France saw the introduction of a new player in this field: the Tymewear breathing sensor, approved just before the race for use in competition. This approval marks a significant step forward in the evolution of wearable sensors for cyclists, as they increasingly focus on integrated physiological monitoring through innovative technologies like sweat, breathing, heart rate, thermal, and motion data.
Professional cycling teams are embracing these advancements wholeheartedly. Sensors from companies such as FLOWBIO and CORE are becoming staples in their arsenal, providing detailed insights into a rider's condition, including sodium levels, airflow, skin temperature, heart rate, heat flux, and metabolic thresholds. The goal is to unify these wearables into seamless, unobtrusive smart textiles or patches, delivering continuous monitoring of hydration, fueling, metabolic strain, and recovery.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the governing body of international cycling, has its own set of regulations regarding these wearable sensors in competitions. While specific rules regarding the latest wearables like FLOWBIO, CORE, or Tymewear are not explicitly stated in current search data, it is generally understood that the UCI permits passive physiological sensors under technical regulations, provided they comply with device size, function, and safety standards. Devices influencing bike performance or external assistance are typically restricted.
One such sensor gaining attention is Tymewear’s VitalPro strap, which integrates breathing and heart rate sensors, offering more accurate metabolic threshold detection than traditional heart rate zones, aiding athletes in refining their aerobic and anaerobic zone data during training. Other popular sensors include CORE, which tracks skin temperature, heart rate, and heat flux, and is used by about two-thirds of WorldTour riders, both men and women.
The value of the data gained from these sensors is immense for coaches, offering insights into a rider's condition and performance. Heat exhaustion and dehydration-related withdrawals are common in WorldTour races, underscoring the importance of these advancements.
As the demand for these sensors and performance data continues to grow, so does the need for safety and compliance with UCI regulations. The homologation process for wearable devices ensures they do not introduce additional safety risks to the wearer, with devices being required to be crushable and able to withstand heat and flames.
In the near future, we can expect to see more integrations and advancements in this field. The Nix Hydration Biosensor, for instance, was recently approved for the beginning of the 2025 season by the UCI for use in competition. FLOWBIO is also exploring partnerships with sports tech brands to allow users to see their sweat rate and sweat sodium on their bike computer.
The UCI acknowledges the potential of these sensors in optimizing recovery and preventing heat-related injuries. Notably, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, the winner of the Tour de France Femmes, was seen wearing a breathing sensor made by Tymewear during the race. As the demand for these sensors grows, the UCI is mindful of this data hunger and is adhering to pushing through non-invasive wearables where it deems necessary and where there is pressure from teams.
In conclusion, the future of cycling is marked by a shift towards integrated, smart wearables that offer holistic internal data beyond traditional heart rate or power metrics. The UCI, while maintaining its focus on safety and fairness, is increasingly permitting these sensors in competitions, recognising their potential to optimize performance and reduce risk factors.
Sports teams are increasingly incorporating cutting-edge wearables such as Tymewear, FLOWBIO, and CORE into their training regimens, utilizing technology like breath, heart rate, thermal, and motion sensors for physiological monitoring. The UCI, while maintaining safety guidelines, is permitting these sensors in competitive events, creating a new era for integrated smart textiles or patches that deliver continuous real-time data on hydration, fueling, metabolic strain, and recovery.
