I would be very surprised to see the AA test as quick as the Selector, though I’ve learned quickly that the combination of aero & athletes sometimes produces results you wouldn’t expect, especially once they’re out of the tunnel and riding. If, for instance, Michael, looks down a lot while racing, it’s possible the AA would be a good helmet for him (though I highly doubt better than the Selector).
I don’t speak for Giro, but I have yet to experience them demanding a certain helmet be worn by an athlete. On the contrary, they’re very interested, perhaps concerned, that some athletes have chosen the A2 recently, but really from the desire to create an excellent product that all athletes want to use from a performance, and comfort, standpoint. This last point is something I’ve found throughout the industry. Sure, these companies want to make money seeling their latest and greatest, but the people who design these products truly want to make the best. They’re complete bike geeks like the rest of us, and not always the marketing juggernauts we sometimes think they are. As a result, I’ve become a bigger fan of every company I’ve been exposed to since we began testing.
As an example, I earlier mentioned that LG has a new aero helmet debuting at the Tour next week. I believe it’s okay for me to tell you that it has a front vent which you can plug very much like the Rudy Project Wingspan. Interestingly, the way they designed the airflow for this helmet is quite unique. At speeds below 40K per hour (approximate), it performs better with the plug in. Once you’re above 40K, it’s actually faster when the plug is removed. When we tested it over the weekend, it performed exactly as they thought, and their excitement was evident. Not because they had dollar signs in their eyes, but because they were really proud that their design worked and was faster for their athletes. Pretty cool to see.
Lastly, don’t discount the fact that sometimes equipment choices are made for reasons of convenience. We had one pro triathlete who was hoping beyond hope that a road helmet was faster than an aero helmet simply because it was easier to travel. Also, “Ooops, I forgot my helmet” could certainly be a reason. You’d be surprised why some choices are made.