UCI publishes images clarifying banned rider positions
Cycling's governing body has published explanations for the raft of new safety measures being introduced in 2021, including barriers and rubbish disposal
The UCI has clarified the banned rider positions, new barrier rules, and changes to rubbish disposal as part of a number of the safety measures being introduced this season.
In a published safety guide, explanations and diagrams have been provided to inform race organisers, teams, and riders of the changes that come into effect from April 1.
'Puppy paws', resting your forearms on the handlebars for aerodynamic gains, has been banned, as has sitting on your top tube, the UCI clarifying that riders must only use feet on pedals, hands on the handlebars and the seat on the saddle as points of support while racing.
Interestingly, it would seem that wrapping your hands around the brake levers, as riders have done for some time but a position growing in popularity ahead of the rule change, is not banned by these new rules.
Next slide, please.
How riders dispose of rubbish will also be changed, with the peloton now banned from disposing of bidons at the side of the road (outside of specified litter zones) as well as on the road, after Geraint Thomas' 2020 Giro d'Italia was ended after he slipped on a discarded bidon as well as increasing pressure for cycling to address the environmental cost of races. As well as the new litter zones, riders are encouraged to hand rubbish back to their team cars or face fines, UCI point deductions, or even disqualifications. In stage races, 30-second and two-minute time penalties can be given out, as well as disqualification as a final straw.
Rules on vehicles in the race specify a general safety distance of at least five metres from riders, and that overtaking should only take place one at a time, with their speed not exceeding more than 20km/h of the riders being passed.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Lightweight barriers that are not secured and can easily move are now prohibited, as well as any signage that encroaches past the line of the barriers. Space between each barrier is also not allowed.
When arch structures are used to signify intermediate sprints or KOM summits, barriers must not suddenly narrow the road, and if it does narrow, a marshall should be present with a yellow flag and whistle to warn the riders. Arches should also themselves not narrow the road.
"All these measures, which are solutions to concerns expressed by different stakeholders, will make road cycling safer for its main players, the riders," UCI President David Lappartient said. "It is now essential for everyone to respect the new regulations, which the UCI will continue to work on improving, always in consultation with all those concerned."
Despite his grievances with Lappartient over the bottle investigation at Il Lombardia, Remco Evenepoel has praised the new safety measures, despite having a preference for puppy paws staying legal.
"I am convinced that there are many good measures in between. But others are too extreme. At my stage victory in the Tour of Poland last year I rode fifty kilometers alone. Several times with the hands over the front, which is much more relaxing for the hands and shoulders and - above all - more aerodynamic," Evenepoel told Wielerflits.
"Riders know what can and cannot be done. But caution is of course important. It is good that this is an item and that it is being worked on."
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
Jonny was Cycling Weekly's Weekend Editor until 2022.
I like writing offbeat features and eating too much bread when working out on the road at bike races.
Before joining Cycling Weekly I worked at The Tab and I've also written for Vice, Time Out, and worked freelance for The Telegraph (I know, but I needed the money at the time so let me live).
I also worked for ITV Cycling between 2011-2018 on their Tour de France and Vuelta a España coverage. Sometimes I'd be helping the producers make the programme and other times I'd be getting the lunches. Just in case you were wondering - Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen had the same ham sandwich every day, it was great.
-
Cycling computers are getting inexplicably big - how did it come to this?
The Wahoo Elemnt Ace is just the latest phone-sized bike computer, and it’s getting a bit silly
By Adam Becket Published
-
The Competitive Cyclist '12 Days of Deals' sale is packed with festive cheer – with up to 50% off, these Christmas cycling bargains won't last long
Deals Treat the cyclist in your life to something they'll love with big cycling deals from Castelli, Gorewear, Specialized and more
By Paul Brett Published
-
‘It’s unprofessional and I’m p****d off’: Riders and staff learned of British Continental team’s decision to close via social media
A handful of team personnel only learned on social media that they would not have jobs in 2025 after Saint Piran's demise
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
UK team asking athletes to pay £500 for a 'performance test review' as part of application and has insisted riders sign an NDA to join
British Continental team Saint Piran charging hefty fee for data review with no guarantee that applicants will get a place on the team
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
What is the new 'yellow card' system in place at the Tour de France Femmes?
Barbara Guarischi becomes first rider to receive booking after yellow card trial brought in by world governing body
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'We are not afraid': UCI to pay for 'qualified information' relating to possible motor doping
President David Lappartient also says that he is "not afraid to to catch a top rider" should they be using motored assistance inside their bike
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Yellow cards to be trialled in pro cycling amid raft of UCI rule changes
The way time gaps are calculated is also set to be altered
By Adam Becket 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