Riders to face bans for holding on to team cars and going through level crossings from 2018
Harsher penalties introduced as part of regulations shake-up
Riders will face bans for holding on to team cars and riding through closed level crossings from 2018, as the UCI introduces harsher penalties for next season.
Under the current regulations, riders caught holding on to cars during a race can already be disqualified - as was the case with Gianni Moscon at the recent World Championships and with Vincenzo Nibali at the 2015 Vuelta a España - and issued with a 200 CHF fine.
However new rules will see riders holding on to or pushing off a vehicle "in order to gain a significant advantage" face harsher penalties, with the UCI disciplinary commission having the option to suspend a rider for up to a month and impose a fine of 5,000 CHF.
Watch: How the UCI tests for hidden motors
Cycling's governing body is also looking to crack down on riders going through closed level crossings, such as the incident that occurred at Paris-Roubaix in 2015 where a number of riders rode across the tracks as the barriers were closing.
According to the current regulations, riders can be eliminated from a race for going through a closed level crossing, but the new rules will mean that they will also risk a one month ban and a fine of up to 5,000 CHF.
The new, harsher rules regarding level crossings and holding on to team cars look to be part of a wider shake-up of cycling's rules and regulations by the UCI, with 2018 seeing the reduction of team sizes from nine to eight in Grand Tours and from eight to seven in other races.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The sport's governing body also has a new president at the helm in David Lappartient (although these rule changes were agreed prior to his election last week), with the Frenchman promising to step up checks for hidden motors and repair the UCI's relationship with ASO, one of cycling's main race organisers which runs the Tour de France as well as a number of other races.
All of the new rules will be introduced from January 1, 2018.
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
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
8 pro mechanic set-up hacks inspired by the Spring Classics
Riding the rough stuff? Glen Whittington, our resident pro mechanic, ramps up speed and comfort with hacks from the cobbled classics
By Glen Whittington Published
-
Italy will use Filippo Ganna's Hour Record bike at the Olympics - and you can buy it for €29,000
The 3D printed Pinarello Bolide, developed from the Italian's Hour smash, will set you back a small fortune
By James Shrubsall Published
-
'All the conditions are met, then it's questioned again' - Visma-Lease a Bike bemoan UCI review after 'a lot of money' spent on development of Giro helmet
Team reacts to governing body statement on Tuesday, day after new helmet was debuted
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
The UCI is banning time trial helmet optimisations - one day after Giro lid broke cover
The 'head sock' is out, with more helmets to be reviewed - whilst hookless rim investigation is still ongoing
By Adam Becket Published
-
UCI launches investigation into massive men's Tour of Flanders pileup
World governing body also investigating road-blocking team tactics used by DSM in the race as well as by Trek-Segafredo at Dwars door Vlaanderen
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Lefevere suggests UCI is 'short of cash' after fining Alaphilippe
Soudal Quick-Step rails against the ruling body after his French team leader is penalised for removing his helmet while racing
By Peter Cossins Published
-
Lava in the metaverse - Five things we want to see from a virtual Track Champions League
The competition is becoming more and more immersive, so here are a few suggestions
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tailwind heaven: Moroccan one-day race tops 56km/h average speed
Strong Saharan winds propel riders at Grand Prix Sakia El Hamra
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Nairo Quintana to leave Arkéa-Samsic, six weeks after signing new contract
The Colombian is currently appealing his Tour de France disqualification
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Nino Schurter claims astonishing tenth mountain bike world title
The Swiss rider is considered the greatest of all time.
By Tom Davidson Published