POC will unveil the Octal AVIP MIPS road cycling helmet and the Eye Park at the Vuelta a España 2014. The new helmet is a MIPS-equipped version of the award-winning Octal and the Eye Park is a patent-pending eyewear device that has been developed together with Garmin-Sharp Pro Cycling team. Both products will be available at retail in early 2015.

Octal AVIP MIPS POC, a leading manufacturer of skiing and cycling helmets, apparel and accessories, is pleased to reveal the Octal AVIP MIPS road cycling helmet. MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System and is developed by brain surgeons and scientist to help reduce the rotational forces to the brain in the event of an angled impact. In 2010, POC became the first helmet manufacturer to introduce a helmet with MIPS; the Receptor Backcountry MIPS. Today, MIPS is a well-known and recognized helmet safety technology and for 2015, the new Octal AVIP MIPS will be one of eight helmets from POC featuring the award-winning system. “The aspect of the rotational forces to the brain during a crash is something that has been long neglected in road cycling. The Octal AVIP MIPS represents an important step forward in our growing line of products for road cyclists,” states POC CEO and founder Stefan Ytterborn. “Applying, utilizing and transferring findings and technologies from one discipline to another, promoting POC’s mission of doing the best we can to possibly save lives and reduce the consequences of accidents, is substantially encouraging.” The Octal AVIP MIPS is based on the award-winning Octal helmet, but has been further developed and equipped with MIPS and weighs 215 grams (Size M, CE-version). With its characteristic design, Octal provides more coverage and additional protection for the temples and back of the head and the EPS liner is also strategically thicker in the most exposed areas. The helmet’s fully wrapped unibody shell construction functions as a monocoque and enhances its safety properties and construction integrity while maintaining a low weight. As a part of the AVIP (Attention Visibility Interaction and Protection) concept, the Octal MIPS will be available in high visibility colors and comes with a reflective sticker kit and an ICE tag, which will provide emergency personnel and first responders with medical information, even if the rider is unconscious. The Octal AVIP MIPS has been developed in collaboration with Garmin-Sharp Pro Cycling team and commenting on the new helmet, Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports says:

"Our partnership with POC gives us a range of helmets to choose from depending on the conditions and situations. With the Octal AVIP MIPS, we are excited to be the first pro tour team using a helmet with MIPS in a race. As with all POC helmets, it offers a high level of protection without compromising performance."

The Octal AVIP MIPS will make its debut in the pro peloton during the second stage of Vuelta a España 2014 that takes place on Sunday, August 24^th.

Eye Park In addition to the introduction of the first MIPS-equipped helmet at the top level of professional road cycling, POC is also going to unveil the patent-pending Eye Park, which has been developed together with Garmin-Sharp Pro Cycling team. Utilizing magnets on the helmet and sunglasses, Eye Park allows riders to push the glasses upwards just enough to see the road in low- and variable-light conditions. “The idea was born at a training camp in Mallorca. I shared a thought I had about using magnets on the helmet and eyewear, to avoid having to take your glasses on and off and put them in pockets or the team car. POC listened and here we are”, says Nathan Haas from team Garmin-Sharp. “Having a responsive sponsor like POC as part of team Garmin-Sharp is so imperative to our performance because their mission to make safer and smarter products isn't just talk. POC listen, innovate and create. It's that simple”, says Nathan Haas. Both the Eye Park and the Octal AVIP MIPS will be presented at the tradeshows this fall and will be available in early 2015.