This cycling time trial helmet was used throughout the 2010 season by American track cycling World Champion Sarah Hammer (b. 1983) when she competed in the individual pursuit, team pursuit, and other time trial events. Sarah Hammer is a five-time World Champion (2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013) and as of 2013, is a world record holder in a track cycling event called the individual pursuit.
Manufactured by Uvex, the unique teardrop shape of the time trial helmet is designed for aerodynamic efficiency. In cycling, time trials can be raced on flat, rolling, or mountainous terrain. Time trials can be competed individually, as a team, or on an oval cycling track, also called a velodrome. In the individual pursuit, two riders start from stationary positions at opposite sides of an oval cycling track, also called a velodrome, and race against each other for a distance of 4 kilometers for men and 3 kilometers for women. Regardless of the format or terrain, a time trial is a test of a rider’s effort against the clock.
When riding an individual time trial, a rider is not allowed to benefit aerodynamically by drafting behind other cyclists or vehicles. Because an individual cyclist riding solo will spend much more energy overcoming the effects of drag, aerodynamic helmets, clothing, bicycles, and deep-rimmed or disc wheels are frequently used in time trial events in order to gain an advantage and better time over competitors.
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.