Riders react to UCI's disc brake suspension
Many of the riders who took to Twitter supported the UCI's decision to suspend disc brake testing, with others calling for discs to be better shielded
Love them or hate them, disc brakes will not be seen in the professional peloton for the foreseeable future after the UCI suspended the testing of the devices.
The suspension comes amid safety fears after Movistar rider Fran Ventoso claimed his gruesome injuries suffered at Paris-Roubaix were the result of his leg touching a moving disc.
Several teams have already tested disc brakes and some were planning on doing so in the coming months. Roompot-Oranje Peloton were solely using disc brake bikes this season, while all riders from Lampre-Merida and Direct Energie were riding discs at Paris-Roubaix.
Many detractors of using disc brakes in professional road cycling took to Twitter after the suspension was announced, while others - including Joaquim Rodriguez - called for the discs to be shielded if they were to be used.
Alex Dowsett, teammate of Ventoso, has often spoken out about his fear of injuries caused by disc brakes in the peloton and welcomed the news of the suspension.
As did Trek-Segafredo's Ryder Hesjedal, who believes disc brakes have a place in cycling, but not in road racing.
Luke Rowe insists that rim brakes provide good enough braking in the peloton.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The 2007 Paris-Roubaix winner Stuart O'Grady believes disc brakes are not necessary in any type of road cycling.
While Dan Craven thinks the disc brake revolution will still happen, but calls for covers to the discs to avoid serious injuries.
IAM Cycling's Larry Warbasse says cycling is dangerous enough, without having to worry about disc-related injuries.
BMC's Manuel Quinziato also called for shields to be put on disc brakes if they are to be used in the peloton.
And Katusha manager Viatcheslav Ekimov says it is reasonable to suspend the testing in light of Ventoso's injury.
It is not clear whether Ventoso's injuries were caused by a disc brake or not. Lampre-Merida manager Brent Copeland is not convinced that they were, but the Movistar rider wrote an open letter on the dangers of disc brakes on Wednesday.
Etixx-Quick Step rider Nikolas Maes was also injured in the incident at Paris-Roubaix, but his team say the rider cannot confirm or deny that it was a disc brake that cause the injuries as the rider simply does not know.
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
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
Cobbles to the sky: The day I conquered the mighty Gotthard Pass from both sides
As part of our summit baggers issue for CW's travel month, Tom Davidson travelled to the Swiss Alps to take on one of cycling's most unique climbs
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Is aero important when riding gravel?
While seeking aerodynamic improvement is regarded as conventional wisdom on the road, should the same apply to gravel racing?
By Andy Turner Published