Tadej Pogačar and Met Team Up to Release Two ‘Ethereal’ Helmets
The cycling world is abuzz with the release of two new helmets inspired by Tadej Pogačar, the captivating cyclist who has left many wondering how he manages to push his limits.
While the debate rages on about whether he's the greatest of all time, there's no denying that Pogačar is one of the most thrilling cyclists to watch. His long-distance attacks and superhuman efforts often leave his competitors in awe, leaving many to wonder, how on earth does he do it?
Met, a renowned helmet manufacturer, aims to capture this spirit with its new collection of limited-edition Tadej Pogačar helmets.
Pogačar and Met, which provides helmets to his UAE Team Emirates XRG squad, have collaborated on special versions of the Manta aero helmet and the Trenta 3K Carbon. These helmets feature an iridescent finish, described as "ethereal as the rider who inspired it," and "leaning into the idea of the ultimate flow - the dream state where effort fades yet speed increases."
While a more relatable experience might be for effort to fade and speed to drop with it, there's no denying the appeal of Met's flight of fancy. After all, who doesn't want days when "performance comes easy"? However, if you're looking for improved performance, you might be better off spending your money on a coach than a helmet.
The Manta costs £250 / $350 / €280 and the Trenta 3K Carbon will set you back £390 / $540 / €440. Met launched the Trenta 3K Carbon last year after Pogačar was spotted using it at the 2025 Tour de France. It features an integrated carbon wing that eliminates the need for EPS foam from the internal frame, facilitating a "continuous internal air channel."
This contributes to Met's claim that the Trenta 3K Carbon is its most ventilated road helmet. However, the brand has still optimized it in the wind tunnel for aero performance. The helmet has a MIPS liner and Virginia Tech awarded it a full five stars.
Met launched the Manta aero helmet in 2024, and it's said to be more aerodynamic than its predecessor thanks to a lower and "tupe-shaped" profile at the rear. Despite being an aero helmet, it still features 15 vents to cool your head and keep you comfortable. The Manta also has a MIPS liner.
But here's where it gets controversial... While these World Champion-inspired lids might appeal to some, others might question the value of spending money on helmets when performance improvements can be achieved through other means. And this is the part most people miss... The debate over the effectiveness of these helmets in improving performance is ongoing, and the cycling community is divided on the issue. So, what do you think? Do these helmets represent a flight of fancy or a practical improvement for cyclists? Share your thoughts in the comments below!