The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has taken note of the press release issued by SRAM on 12 September, as well as the complaint filed with the Belgian Competition Authority concerning the Maximum Gear Ratio Test Protocol developed for the purpose of conducting such a test at the 2025 Tour of Guangxi, which will take place from 14 to 19 October.
The UCI reiterates that all its technical regulations, including the protocol for testing maximum gear ratios, are developed in the best interests of cycling, athlete safety, and fair sport. These rules are the result of a consultation process involving stakeholders in the sector, including teams, riders, and organisers.
The Maximum Gear Ratio Test Protocol was established based on a recommendation from SafeR – the entity that brings together representatives of riders, teams, organisers, and the UCI with the aim of increasing safety in men's and women's professional cycling – with the aim of collecting data to determine whether gear ratio limitation is an area that needs to be regulated. Indeed, it has been proven that the increase in maximum speeds reached by riders in recent years, particularly on descents, is linked to developments in equipment and constitutes a risk factor for their safety. It should also be noted that the majority of riders expressed their support for testing maximum gear ratio limits in a questionnaire sent to all riders before the protocol was developed. Similarly, the CPA – the body representing riders – confirmed its desire for this test to be carried out during the recent Professional Cycling Council meeting, held on 10 September.
The Maximum Gear Ratio Test Protocol does not target any specific brand or supplier, but applies uniformly to all riders in the peloton.
The UCI emphasises that improving safety in road cycling competitions, which is desired by all stakeholders in cycling, can only be achieved through the efforts of all parties. The UCI regrets that, following the refusal of several teams to participate in the testing of GPS rider safety tracking technology during the Tour de Romandie Féminin, an equipment manufacturer is now also opposing a test aimed at collecting data to examine the relevance of a safety improvement measure.
The UCI remains fully open to dialogue with equipment manufacturers, in order to continue the harmonious and innovative development of our sport. Technological innovation is an essential driver of cycling, but it must be part of a clear, transparent regulatory framework that respects the safety of athletes.
However, the UCI questions SRAM's objectives in opposing a test designed to assess the relevance of a safety enhancement measure, thereby undermining the necessary unity among cycling stakeholders, which is essential for progress toward a safer sport.