'Disc brakes are still the future and will become an important part of road racing'

WFSGI responds to suspension of disc brakes by UCI

roompot disc brakes
(Image credit: Graham Watson)

While pro riders have spoken out in criticism of disc brakes after Fran Ventoso's injury at Paris-Roubaix, the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), which represents the cycling and wider sports industries, has spoken out in support of the technology, saying that it still sees discs as having a future in professional road racing.

Robert de Kock, the WFSGI General Secretary, said that while the organisation supported the suspension of the UCI's disc brake trial, the world governing body needed to move quickly to work towards a solution.

"The suspension was decided by the UCI for safety reasons and can be supported therefore. Nevertheless the WFSGI asks the UCI to immediately start the collaboration with all stakeholders on the future of disc brakes and safety in road racing.”

Watch: what do pro riders really think of disc brakes

With little conclusive evidence that Ventoso's injury was caused by a disc brake, something which has been questioned by Lampre-Merida manager Brent Copeland, the WFSGI also called on the UCI to carry out a "clear and proper investigation" into the accident from Paris-Roubaix, with any final decisions being made on the outcomes of said investigation.

Whatever the outcome of the investigation, the WFSGI remains confident that its work in lobbying the UCI to introduce disc brakes into the professional peloton last August will not be in vain, and disc brakes will still be used in professional road races in the future.

"The suspension was decided by the UCI for safety reasons and can be supported therefore. Nevertheless the WFSGI asks the UCI to immediately start the collaboration with all stakeholders on the future of disc brakes and safety in road racing.”

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