The makers of POC have made a name for themselves when it comes to safety, innovation and design, and these efforts have now been recognized with the 2019 Eurobike Award for the Tectal Race Spin NFC helmet. The digital helmet incorporates Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to ensure user safety and protection by storing a medical profile of the rider in the helmet, allowing it to speak for you when you can't.

Jonas Sjögren, CEO of POC, commented on the award as follows: "The bike industry is rapidly evolving and to win an award amongst so many new and innovative products is an honor and inspiring. Our approach has always been to consider every possible way to improve safety, even if it means doing something that has never been done before. Over the years, we have introduced many innovations with our helmets, be it MIPS, Recco or Aramid technology, and with the use of an integrated NFC chip, we are developing helmets that can really protect people before, during and after an accident."

Even the best helmet cannot protect against the crash itself: In the "golden hour" after a serious accident, every second counts. The faster the rescuers and doctors know how to treat the victim, the better the chances of survival and avoiding long-term consequences. In future, the digital Medical ID NFC chip in the new POC Tectal Race Spin NFC mountain bike helmet will provide rescuers with vital information on blood type, previous illnesses or allergies, for example, directly at the scene of the accident if the rider is unable to provide any more information themselves. All they have to do is hold an NFC-enabled smartphone directly over the helmet. Internet, telephone or satellite connection are not required for reading. The Medical ID is programmed in accordance with the ICAR (International Commission for Alpine Rescue) standard using a free app.

An additional integrated Recco reflector makes accident victims easy to find, even in remote areas, and an orange element on the back of the helmet ensures good visibility. The "talking helmet" is based on the Tectal Race Spin enduro and trail mountain bike helmet, which is known for its good ventilation. Incorporated aramid bridges distribute impact forces over a larger area in the event of a fall and reinforce the robust unibody shell construction made of high-performance polycarbonate. The Spin padding with its silicone gel-like membrane on the inside provides additional protection and comfort. For even more safety, the helmet encloses the head over a large area and offers extra protection, especially thanks to a deep-drawn neck area.

POC has entered into a partnership with the Swedish company twICEme to integrate NFC into the Tectal Race Spin NFC and the Ventral Air Spin NFC helmets. The Ventral Air Spin NFC, which has the same powerful ventilation and extreme lightweight as the Ventral Air Spin, also features an NFC chip and is ideal for gravel and road adventures.

pocsports.com