The question is whether the enormous Wahoo ELEMNT ACE head unit and its unique extra features would be fair for in-competition use. Well, the UCI, the world cycling governing body, has just rubber-stamped the ACE as fair game in the peloton.
The UCI seems to be extra generous (and petty) this year. They’ve also approved the NIX Biosensor for in-competition use, and ended their world champ stripes agreement with Ritchey after three decades.
Will this give Wahoo ELEMNT ACE users an unfair advantage? In the ACE’s current state, probably not. However, this is the first time Wahoo and World Tour teams can get their hands on these numbers from every team member in intense, high-stakes racing.
For those unfamiliar, the all-new ELEMNT ACE is the largest cycling computer we’ve tested (unless you consider a phone a computer) and Wahoo’s most advanced bike computer to date. The new ELEMNT ACE computer boasts many updates and Wahoo ecosystem integrations. However it’s large, heavy, and I don’t think the pros need the mapping help — but it does have a pretty cool extra feature: an integrated wind sensor. (You can read our thoughts about the tech of Wahoo ELEMNT ACE here.)
Does the ELEMNT ACE Offer an Unfair Advantage?
The Wahoo ELEMNT ACE has a unique sensor that others (as of right now) lack, an integrated wind sensor with Wahoo Wind Dynamics. This data doesn’t just give cyclists a number; it could help them adjust their drafting position and optimize aero efficiency. Post-ride, the team can sit down and quantify the effects of wind and wattage in real-time. Check the very limited example below from a personal ride with the Wahoo ELEMNT ACE.
Wahoo believes that over time, its Wind Dynamics system will generate the largest real-world cycling wind dataset, enhancing performance analysis.
What Do Riders See Using Wahoo Wind Dynamics?
Right now, riders see two key insights:
- AirDrag: How much their groundspeed is hindered by headwinds
- AirBoost: How much their groundspeed is aided by tailwinds or drafting
Who’s Riding the ELEMNT ACE?
The ELEMNT ACE has already been deployed to Wahoo-supported teams for testing and training, and with the UCI’s recent approval, it’s now set to make an impact in race-day scenarios for:
- UAE Team Emirates
- LIDL-TREK
- EF Pro Cycling
- Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team
Plus more than 25 other UCI-registered teams in 2025.
Pro Teams Weigh In
Pro teams are already seeing the potential of the ELEMNT ACE, with key performance heads praising its bigger screen, extended battery life, and next-level data tracking. Remember, though, these are teams sponsored by Wahoo…
Jeroen Swart, Head of Performance at UAE Team Emirates, says:
“The new ELEMNT ACE is a great addition to the existing Wahoo ecosystem. The larger format, the vibrant touch screen, and the much longer battery life are all great features that make this device a pleasure to use every day. However, the ACE is not only a huge step up in terms of software and hardware, but the additional metric of wind speed sets it apart from other devices in the game. Our riders can use real-time data to optimize their position on the bike or in the bunch to save energy—providing them with valuable insights that translate into performance gains.”
Peter Schep, Head of Performance at EF Pro Cycling, adds:
“The new ELEMNT ACE brings wind speed data in real-time, which we think could be a game-changer in drafting dynamics. It’s such a huge factor in how a race plays out, so we are very excited to be working closely with Wahoo to get the most out of the ACE’s wind sensor for training and appropriate races.”
With UCI approval locked in, expect to see the ELEMNT ACE front and center in the biggest races of 2025.
