Professional mountain bikers are becoming the first athletes to use HIT's pioneering head impact device in competitive sport, with several of the world's top riders beginning the new season with the unit attached to their helmets.

Developed in Scotland, the HIT device monitors the G-force of every head impact and also captures the smaller cumulative forces experienced during regular riding — even when there is no crash. This mirrors the effect of a footballer repeatedly heading a ball across a match: individually minor, but significant over time.

Because concussion is complicated to diagnose — influenced by factors including bone thickness, hydration, muscular strength, and prior injury history — the HIT system is designed to give riders the data they need to make an informed decision, rather than relying on guesswork or instinct.

Studies have found that people who suffer serious concussions — particularly under the age of 21 — are more prone to long-term consequences including depression and increased suicide risk. The ability to track frequency and magnitude in real time, rather than relying on symptoms that may not appear for hours or days, could change outcomes for riders at every level.

HIT's developers say the device can be used across any gravity sport where helmets are worn. The GPS and crash detection functionality also makes it relevant for younger riders — alerting parents automatically if a child sustains a significant impact while out on a bike or scooter.

With Reece Wilson and several of the world's top mountain bike riders now using the device heading into the new season, HIT marks a significant step from research and development into competitive sport — bringing the Recognise, Remove, Assess philosophy to the world stage.