CORE2 Body Temperature Sensor Addresses Significant Issue in First Generation

In the previous year, the significance of body temperature gained immense attention with the launch of the body temperature sensor. Now, the company is introducing an enhanced model, named the CORE2 body temperature sensor, amidst a wave of new gadgets showcased at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show.

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The CORE2 body temperature sensor is designed to accurately monitor and measure a person’s body temperature in real-time. It provides continuous temperature readings, allowing for the early detection of fever or abnormal temperature fluctuations. This sensor is often used in various settings, including healthcare facilities, fitness monitoring, and personal health management, helping users track their physiological status effectively.

If you're a fan of keeping up with the newest trends in sports technology related to the World Tour, you may have come across the concept of heat adaptation. This approach emerged as a means to alleviate the challenges posed by intense heat conditions.

Back in 2020 Velo ran an article on Keeping cool at the Tour. In that article there’s a quote from  Team Garmin-Slipstream team physiologist Allen Lim who stated that heat during exertion is in his opinion  “the single biggest bottleneck in the Tour, or any other sport.”

That’s a powerful statement and there’s research to support it. Writing for TrainingPeaks, Zach Nehr references a 2010 study titled “Heat acclimation improves exercise performance.” In that study the authors found 10-days of heat acclimation was enough to increase VO2max by 8% in hot conditions as well as boost “time trial performance, power output, plasma volume, and maximal cardiac output.”

The CORE and its latest iteration, the CORE2 body temperature sensor, offer a straightforward solution for riders of all skill levels to monitor their heat acclimation. By simply wearing the sensor, users can access an app that provides real-time updates on their core temperature and allows them to keep a record of the data.

Considering the possible advantages, it's not unexpected that WorldTour teams have been paying attention. In 2024, CORE provided sponsorship to BORA – Hansgrohe, Human Powered Health, Ceratizit, Soudal-Quickstep, Lidl-Trek, Movistar, and Canyon/Sram. Additionally, there were sightings of Tadej Pogačar utilizing his CORE sensor while participating in Strade Bianche.

Ross McGraw, VP and Head of Core, emphasizes that “Nearly every professional cyclist has integrated CORE into their technological toolkit, utilizing it not only during intense races but also to track core body temperature throughout all training sessions and competitions. Elite athletes and teams understand that an increase in core temperature directly correlates with a reduction in power output. Research indicates that for every degree rise in core temperature, there is a corresponding 5% decrease in power. Additionally, another study highlighted a 2.5% increase in haemoglobin mass resulting from heat training. Given this significant impact, CORE can frequently determine whether a rider finishes atop the podium or falls behind.”

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What are the latest updates regarding the CORE2 body temperature sensor?

In certain respects, not significantly. The fundamental technology has remained relatively stable at this stage. The essential concept involves a sensor that you typically attach to your heart rate chest strap, along with an app that processes and interprets that data. This core idea has not evolved much.

The most notable change is that it has significantly reduced in size. Did you catch that? On a serious note, the new sensor is 48% smaller and 30% lighter compared to its predecessor. Considering the previous version was already compact and discreet, this reduction in size might not make a substantial difference.

What’s important is that there’s now an improved method for securing it to your heart rate strap. Previously, the old sensor would just slide down and often became loose, resulting in it getting stuck in my base layer and failing to record any data. The new design addresses this issue by snapping into place on both sides, ensuring a more reliable connection.

Aside from that, the updated design alludes to a few modifications, yet the majority are not significant at this stage. The highlighted updates feature an LED status indicator and improved battery longevity; however, the specifications for the existing sensor show the same battery performance and there is already a status indicator in place. CORE also mentions that “CORE 2 is engineered to accommodate future software advancements, ensuring athletes remain at the forefront,” but no details have been provided regarding this aspect.

In summary, it appears that additional developments are on the horizon. What we currently understand is that the CORE2 body temperature sensor addresses the main issue found in the initial generation of hardware.

Cost and accessibility

It appears that the problem of the sensor becoming loose isn't a widespread issue. If you're interested, The CORE1 is currently available at a 20% discount while stocks last.

For those who currently possess a CORE1 and are considering an upgrade, CORE has a solution in place. The company has announced that “to assist its loyal community, CORE will introduce a Trade-Up Program designed to facilitate the switch to CORE 2.” Users of CORE 1 who return their device will earn a credit for their upgrade to CORE 2, ensuring that every athlete can stay current. However, it's advisable to hold off for a little while, as “further information regarding CORE 2 and the CORE Trade-Up Program” will be available shortly.

You'll have to hold off for a little while before getting your hands on the CORE2 body temperature sensor. This new product will debut as a highlight at CES, with expected availability in March of this year, priced similarly to the existing sensor.

Visit the CORE website for more info and purchase.