Oakley Introduces Velo Kato & Velo Mach

To mark Oakley’s 50th anniversary, the brand is unveiling an innovation in the world of cycling: the launch of the fastest glasses-helmet system ever designed, resulting from an exclusive collaboration with the Tudor Pro Cycling team.

Source: press release

Oakley thus presents Velo Kato & Velo Mach, a duo designed for absolute speed, developed from 3D athlete data, refined in a wind tunnel, and tested in real-world conditions on the roads of the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France.

This system combines cutting-edge aerodynamics, Prizm™ optical technology, optimized comfort, and performance-oriented design. True concentrations of innovation, these products embody Oakley’s quest for excellence and push the boundaries of cycling equipment.

Fast alone, unbeatable together

The result of a close collaboration with Tudor Pro Cycling, the Swiss UCI Pro team, Oakley’s fastest glasses-helmet system ever created has redefined speed through advanced research, rigorous development, and athlete-centric design.

For several years, Oakley and Tudor Pro Cycling have made pure speed their ambition, with a single objective: to create a glasses-helmet system faster than all others. The team defined performance objectives based on key athletes, their postures, wind direction, and race speeds.

For a system as personalized as it is high-performing, Tudor provided 3D scans of its best riders. Together, Oakley and Tudor Pro Cycling leveraged this data to conduct countless computer simulations and print scale 3D models for wind tunnel testers — recording thousands of individual wind tunnel trials, countless hours of real and synthetic testing with the Tudor Pro Cycling team. Oakley engineers joined those of Tudor Pro Cycling and their cyclists at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub, where they tested the system in real-world conditions on riders.

“With Tudor Pro Cycling, we thought big, and we implemented tenacity, creativity, and the best testing tools and methods — without compromise,” explains Rachel Gitajn, R&D Director at Oakley. “The data provided by Tudor Pro Cycling was invaluable and offered us a concrete way to refine our design. By combining this information with a Design Thinking approach, we fine-tuned every detail of the helmet-glasses system until we achieved perfection with Velo Mach and Velo Kato.”

The first prototypes were tested during Tudor Pro Cycling’s training camp in January 2024, where Oakley R&D conducted interviews with athletes and collected precise measurements, using this initial feedback to evolve the design. In December 2024, Oakley returned with an improved system and delivered the final versions of the glasses and race helmets to the Tudor Pro Cycling team.

Oakley Velo Kato was developed with the cyclist’s posture during the race in mind. These glasses incorporate a new Unobtainium® nose pad that improves the field of vision while ensuring optimal coverage. Their large Plutonite® lens, equipped with Prizm technology, offers unparalleled clarity and contrast to tackle the most demanding courses. The PhysioMorphic geometry ensures an ergonomic fit close to the face, which protects from wind and debris while offering a panoramic view. The deflectors on the frame work in harmony with Velo Mach to create an aerodynamic design that optimizes airflow, reduces drag, and improves speed, helping the rider stay ahead.

Oakley Velo Mach is designed for speed, with a shell shape optimized for real-world postures, body angles, and aerodynamic demands. The introduction of flow deflectors, unique fin-shaped structures on the helmet’s surface, reduces drag and improves airflow adhesion, thereby maximizing efficiency in a sprint position at 70 km/h. The Oakley 360 Fit system improves pressure points thanks to repositioned retention straps, a rubberized dial, and a slimmed adjustment cap for superior comfort. The TurboDry fabric ensures optimal moisture management on all skin contact surfaces.

“At this level, speed is paramount: it’s about precision, agility, and the right equipment, designed for maximum performance, ensuring we are ready to face every challenge the road throws at us,” says Alberto Dainese, Tudor Pro Cycling team cyclist. “When you’re competing with the best in the world, every watt and every millisecond count — and Velo Mach and Velo Kato set a new benchmark in cycling.”

Velo Stelvio and Velo TT, helmets precisely designed for optimal performance in all race scenarios, complete the collection. Designed to meet the demands of steep climbs, Velo Stelvio integrates strategic ventilation and internal heat channels for maximum cooling, while offering competitive aerodynamic performance. Velo TT, Oakley’s fastest time trial helmet, features a tapered lens with Prizm technology, a removable vent cover, and the latest advancements in aerodynamic shape to gain precious seconds at the most crucial moments. Both helmets are equipped with Oakley’s TurboDry moisture management system and the improved 360 Fit system for optimal comfort on race days.