cycle-powered
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Munich Germany (formerly Portland OR, Texas)
Posts: 1,848
Bikes: '02 Specialized FSR, '03 RM Slayer, '99 Raleigh R700, '97 Norco hartail, '89 Stumpjumper
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ok, i'm not an expert on pro racing... but i'll take a guess.
Europe is less liability sue-happy than the US so i think riders have more freedom to do what they want and there is in general more long climbing in Europe where even a vented helmet is hotter than none b/c you don't get much airflow while climbing (low speed). on many European rides or stages there may be very little fast, curvy downhill where riders see a high crash potential plus LONG extended uphills where a helmet is a pain and so many choose not to wear helmets.
as an American now in Europe, when i first came here i did not understand why i always saw so many riders with thier helmets on their bars or waterpack while climbing - now i often do the same on climbs that lasts 30 minutes up to 2 hours where you sweat like crazy and get no airflow.
as for a TT, i see no reason not to wear a helmet, because the relatively high risk of a crash, usually high enough speed for ventilization, etc.