Discussion about UCI's bar width rule takes center stage in clandestine discussions before the Tour De France kickoff in Lille
The cycling world is abuzz with controversy as professional teams react strongly to the recent UCI rule changes, particularly those concerning handlebar width limits and gearing restrictions.
**Handlebar Width Rules**
The UCI's new regulations, set to take effect from January 2026, mandate that handlebars for mass start road and cyclocross events must measure at least 400mm wide (outside-to-outside), with a minimum of 320mm between brake hoods. This decision has sparked a significant backlash from teams, bike fitters, and industry insiders.
- **Ergonomics and Fit Concerns:** Teams and bike fitters argue that the new rules compromise rider ergonomics and fit, particularly for smaller riders and women. The International Bike Fitting Institute (IBFI) issued a statement expressing serious concerns that the rules may inadvertently increase injury risks for these groups. - **Performance Impact:** The rules force riders to abandon their preferred setups, which have been optimized for aerodynamics and comfort over many years. Teams like Intermarché-Wanty, who have built their success on long stems and narrow bars, will be particularly affected. - **Individual Rider Impact:** Riders like Matteo Jorgenson, who is tall and has found comfort and performance with his current setup, will be forced to change to handlebars that they feel less comfortable with. - **Industry and Development Challenges:** Manufacturers and teams face immense pressure to adapt quickly. Insiders describe the six-month lead time as far too short for proper prototyping, testing, and gathering rider feedback, calling it “impossible” from a development perspective.
**Gearing Restrictions**
The UCI is also trialling new gear limit rules, which will restrict the use of extremely low gears. This move has raised concerns among teams and riders, especially those using modern wide-range drivetrains or sponsors with innovative cassette designs, such as SRAM’s 10-tooth cogs.
**Summary**
Professional cycling teams are highly critical of the new UCI rules, especially regarding handlebar width, which is seen as ill-advised and potentially harmful for rider safety and performance. Riders such as Matteo Jorgenson will be forced to abandon their preferred setups, raising concerns about both comfort and competitive disadvantage. The new gearing restrictions are also contentious, threatening the viability of certain drivetrain technologies and potentially impacting team tactics and equipment choices.
The mood among teams is one of disbelief regarding the changes to bar width rules. Mikey van Kruiningen, equipment director at Intermarché-Wanty, expressed support for any action that pressures the UCI. Almost all bars measured are outside of the new measurement limit, and teams like Intermarché-Wanty, who have credited much of their success to experiments with longer, narrower positions, will be particularly affected by the rule changes. Many teams are working closely with the UCI to better understand the aims of the recent rule announcements.
- "The debate in the sports world, particularly sports-analysis circles, is intensifying as professional cycling teams voice their concerns about the new UCI regulations, specifically the handlebar width rules, as they believe these regulations may compromise rider safety, performance, and comfort, leading to potential injuries."
- "Industry experts and sports analysts are paying close attention to the backlash from professional cycling teams regarding the UCI's new sports rule, which introduces restrictions on handlebar width and gearing, as these changes could significantly impact the performance and preferences of individual riders and teams, potentially altering the dynamics of competitive cycling events."
