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CAS Upholds Ban on Team GB’s New Skeleton Helmet for Milano Cortina

The panel ruled the rear‑protruding design is an aerodynamic departure from the standard helmet shape under current IBSF rules.

Overview

  • The Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association’s appeal on Feb. 7, upholding the IBSF’s Jan. 29 ban.
  • CAS said the helmet departs from the standard shape and features a rear section that considerably protrudes to enhance aerodynamic performance.
  • Team GB will revert to the helmets used throughout the 2025–26 season, with officials expressing disappointment but saying preparations remain on track.
  • The BBSA maintained the design was safety-led and aligned with rules planned for 2026–27, but CAS evaluated compliance only with regulations in force now.
  • The helmet was modeled in a Manchester wind tunnel and tested in St Moritz yet never raced in competition, and Britain’s Matt Weston and Marcus Wyatt enter Cortina as leading contenders based on their World Cup form.