Cycling's UCI Announces Limiting Gear Ratios to Enhance Safety
University of California, Irvine to experiment with gear limitations aiming to curb excessive speeds
Brace yourselves, cycling enthusiasts! In a bid to ensure rider safety, cycling's world governing body, the UCI, has decided to implement a trial to restrict gear ratios and slow down professional cyclists. According to a statement released last Friday, this test will take place during a stage race in the latter half of the 2025 season.
The UCI explains that the maximum gear ratio limitation is aimed at limiting the alarming speeds reached by riders today, which pose a significant risk to safety. When implemented, the maximum gear ratio will be a 54-tooth chain ring with an 11-tooth sprocket. This restriction comes in response to the high speeds achieved by top-level riders using gear setups that allow extremely fast speeds, such as the current popular 54-10 gear ratio.
Furthermore, the UCI is also considering the recommendation of SafeR, an organization dedicated to improving safety in men's and women's professional road cycling. They propose a minimum handlebar width of 400mm as another safety feature.
Starting from January 1, 2026, this rule will apply to road and cyclo-cross events with a mass start. So, get ready for a slightly slower but safer ride! Keep up-to-date with the latest cycling news by joining our Telegram channel.
[1] Safety in Professional Cycling: A Comprehensive Guide
[2] The Impact of High Speeds on Rider Safety in Professional Cycling
[3] Reducing the Risks of High Speeds in Professional Cycling
In an effort to address the safety concerns arising from high speeds, the UCI, the world governing body for cycling, is implementing a trial to limit gear ratios and slow down professional cyclists starting from 2025. Additionally, the UCI is considering the SafeR organization's recommendation for a minimum handlebar width of 400mm as another measure to enhance safety in professional road cycling events.
