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UCI Approves Wahoo’s New ELEMNT ACE Integrated Wind Sensor for Races

Wahoo ACE UCI UAE front
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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.

Wahoo ACE UCI EF
Photo: Wahoo

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.

Wahoo ELEMNT ACE unit side
Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor

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.)

Wahoo ACE UCI UAE
Photo: Wahoo

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-ELEMNT-ACE-WWD-1-
Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor


Wahoo believes that over time, its Wind Dynamics system will generate the largest real-world cycling wind dataset, enhancing performance analysis.

Wahoo ACE UCI UAE front
Photo: Wahoo

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
unreleased new SRAM Red road bike groupset, raced by Lidl-Trek at 2024 Giro d Italia
(Photo SRAM/Getty Images)

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.

2025 Rapha EF Pro Cycling pink argyle tease new Pro Team kit
Photo: Rapha

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…

met-trenta-3k-carbon-mips-rider-UAE
Photo: Team UAE

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.”

Rapha Pro Team Roadsuit aero road bike racing skinsuit, EF Pro Cycling R&D wind tunnel
Photo: Rapha

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.

WahooFitness.com

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syborg
syborg
7 days ago

IMO UCI should not allow any electronics, including coaches in the radio, in racing. All the electronics make raging very formulaic. I say: train however you want and on race day use your innate intelligence. That would make racing much more interesting if riders make decisions themselves based on their gut feeling not what the coach days or what their computer is tellling them.

Luis
Luis
4 days ago
Reply to  syborg

That sounds very romantic and all, but what you’re describing is called amateur racing, and we all do that once in a while.

But if you are the sponsor and it’s you who is signing the checks for a few million dollars, would like to leave your investment to “train however you want and on race day use your innate intelligence”? I don’t think so.

Yes, no radios might make racing more caotic and thus entertaining for us, the viewers; but this is professional sport.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how much information it’s being feed thru your earpiece or data you have available in your headunit, if you don’t have the legs or mindset, that’s it, no dice.

If you hear PROs on their podcast, columns or relaxed interviews, you’ll know that it’s not like they are robots and this is a video game, a lot of what they do in a race is up to them and their insticts.

Last edited 4 days ago by Luis
Mario
Mario
1 day ago
Reply to  Luis

Also it’s about safety. Muriel Furrer might still live if she’d had a radio during the worlds race. They would’ve found her a lot earlier for sure.

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