Chris Froome wary of disc brakes in the peloton in 2016
The two-time Tour de France champion says it should be 'all or nothing' when it comes to riders using disc brakes in races
Team Sky's Chris Froome is concerned about safety and the use of disc brakes this 2016 season, which began on Tuesday with the Tour Down Under in Australia.
The world governing body, the UCI, in November allowed teams to use discs or calipers as they wish in the 2016 season. The rule applies to all teams, from WorldTour to continental, and all races.
"I tried them on mountain bikes but not on the road bike," Froome told La Gazzetta dello Sport last week. "However, as a matter of safety, I say that they should be used by everyone or no one at all. Having a group different brake systems would increase the dangers."
Sky tested disc brakes at two races late last summer with Ben Swift and Bernie Eisel, but have yet to roll them out for the 29-man roster. It is unclear if teams will begin to use them in the ongoing Tour Down Under or Tour de San Luis in Argentina.
Watch: Chris Froome talks 2016 plans
The hurdles to overcome include the unit's weight, aerodynamics and safety. Another issue, which Froome was likely referring to, is the braking differences between disc and caliper systems. Some argue that discs could create big braking differences in the peloton, while others say those differences already exist between the braking power of Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo calipers.
Another issue is that while Shimano is leading the way, Campagnolo has yet to roll out disc brakes for teams’ race bikes. So at this point, Froome's wish of all or nothing is only possible if the professional teams stick to calipers.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Other stars have also expressed their concern, as well. Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo) said that he does not want to change his ways in his final season and Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) explained that riders will need time to learn how to brake with discs.
"You can't have the bunch with disc brakes and the other half with normal ones, that would cause carnage because the braking points are different," said Eisel, who is now helping Mark Cavendish in team Dimension Data.
"There will be a lot of work to do in the next one or two years. I'm guessing everyone will be on them by 2018, earliest 2017."
Froome has yet to race. He begins his season at the Herald Sun Tour in Australia on February 3.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
Has cycling's most affordable pro bike brand just launched its aero machine?
Van Rysel set to equip Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale with new RCR-F in 2025
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Even if you ride a lot, here's why you shouldn't skip leg day at the gym
Think your legs get enough exercise? A little gym time can unlock big strength and performance gains.
By Greg Kaplan Published
-
Bullying isn't allowed in other workplaces, professional sport should be no different
Comments about Julian Alaphilippe are just the latest in a long line of examples of bosses in sport going too far
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
CW Live: Chris Froome targets return to 'top level'; UCI tightens ITT rules; Strava responds to price hike criticism; Topless protesters arrested at TDU; Tributes paid to Lieuwe Westra; Scott recalls 'cracking' bikes; Toon Aerts the PE teacher
The latest news in the world of cycling
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
CW LIVE: Wout van Aert and Shirin van Anrooij win cyclo-cross in Koksijde; Rapha unveil EF Education kits; Police search for two suspects in Mark Cavendish robbery; Paris-Nice route announced; Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas to ride Tour Down Under
All the latest in the world of cycling
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
Tweets of the week: Chris Froome has GoPro problems, and Geraint Thomas grits roads
It might be cold outside, but these hot posts should keep you warm
By Adam Becket Published
-
Symptomatic Chris Froome signed on for Tour de France stage start while awaiting PCR test result
The four-time winner was encouraged to sign on by the race organiser and withdrew from the race minutes after
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Israel-Premier Tech unveils limited edition Tour de France kit
Team launches ‘Field of dreams’ campaign to help kids in Rwanda
By Tom Thewlis Last updated
-
After injuries that meant he had to learn to walk again, Froome says fans need to manage expectations
The Israel-Premier Tech rider is cycling pain-free for the first time since his 2019 crash at the Critérium du Dauphiné, something he says people should remember
By Ryan Dabbs Published
-
Chris Froome eager to lose weight after 'baptism of fire' at Coppi e Bartali
The Briton admitted he was 2kg overweight after the Italian race, while confirming he will race the Tour of the Alps
By Ryan Dabbs Published