SRAM Challenges UCI Equipment Restrictions in Court Due to Lack of Supported Evidence
In a surprising turn of events, SRAM, a leading manufacturer of bicycle components, has announced a legal challenge against the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) over the organisation's new news restrictions. The dispute revolves around the UCI's Maximum Gearing Protocol, which SRAM claims unfairly excludes their Red AXS groupset and creates a competitive disadvantage.
The UCI's new rules, part of a package aimed at improving rider safety, include handlebar width restrictions and the controversial Maximum Gearing Protocol. According to wind tunnel testing results, changing the rules to make bikes significantly more aerodynamic might not have been conducive to reducing race speeds, as initially suggested.
SRAM's CEO, Ken Lousberg, has stated that the protocol penalizes and discourages innovation and puts riders and teams at a competitive disadvantage. The company argues that there is no sound evidence that higher rollout ratios (harder gears) relate to an increased risk of crashing.
The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has taken a position by formally accepting SRAM's complaint filed on September 12, 2025, against the UCI. The BCA's General Prosecutor is leading investigations and will present findings to an independent decision board. Currently, the legal dispute remains active.
SRAM's sponsorship includes teams like Lidl-Trek, Visma-Lease A Bike, and Movistar, who may suffer a significant disadvantage compared to Shimano and Campagnolo's teams due to these news. SRAM is the only groupset manufacturer to offer a 10-tooth sprocket, making it the only brand affected by these new rules. The new UCI rules effectively outlaw anything equivalent to or exceeding a 54x10t drivetrain.
The impending news restriction rules may lead to mechanics using longer limit screws to physically prevent derailleurs from accessing the 10t sprocket. This could potentially place SRAM-equipped riders at a competitive disadvantage, as they would have fewer gear options.
Many professional riders, including Tom Pidcock, are openly critical of many of the new UCI rules. SRAM is seeking immediate injunctive relief to halt the gearing restriction requirement at the Guangxi event and any future events.
The UCI leadership has declined substantive engagement on the issue, but SRAM is participating in technical talks to aid teams in adapting to the rule changes. The company also insists on dialogue and innovation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a level playing field in professional cycling.
Meanwhile, SRAM argues that the new gearing restrictions will cause reputational damage, market confusion, team and athlete anxiety, and potential legal exposure. They claim that the new rules will cause loss of retailer and OEM support, erosion of global market share, and 'up to a decade of reinvestment to recover'.
The new UCI rules to improve rider safety have been imposed in what appears to be a reactionary and haphazard way, with little effort gone into improving things like course design and crowd management. This has led to criticism from both riders and manufacturers, raising questions about the UCI's approach to safety and competition in professional cycling.
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