UCI will allow drones to film races from March 1, but only 'if prior admission is requested'
This decision comes after the governing body banned a drone mid-race at the Superprestige cyclocross race last Saturday

From March 1, the UCI will allow the use of drones to film cyclocross races, but only if race organisers obtain prior authorisation to capture these types of shots.
Last Saturday, at the Superprestige cyclocross race in the Belgian municipality of Gavere, a drone with a camera attached provided an immersive spectator experience as Lucinda Brand led the field. The drone, deployed by rights holder Flanders Classics, captured Brand tackling the mud confidently, which she later described as "amazing footage".
However, the UCI banned the drone mid-race, grounding the device from filming anymore of Brand's dominant performance. The UCI has now explained this decision, though, claiming a drone needs a permit to film, which the one in Gavere didn't have.
“Drones can be used for live capture, if prior admission is requested,” explained UCI CEO Peter Van Den Abeele in conversation with Sporza (opens in new tab). “But apparently that written request hadn't happened in Gavere. The chairman of the jury then simply applied the regulations.”
Prior to Saturday's Superprestige race, Van Den Abeele claims the UCI had already discussed the use of equipment, such as drones, to film even more spectacular shots and allow television viewers to get even closer to the action.
“Last week we had a director's committee. There was a debate about filming during professional recordings. It was then decided to exploit its possibilities more. We are now going to do that, because from March 1 drones will be generally deployed.
“In Gavere it was an unfortunate combination of circumstances, because that application was not such a paperwork now. But we are of course asking to do this. If we can visualise cycling in a better way, we will absolutely not put a stop to it.”
The decision to allow drones to film during the course of the race will no doubt be welcomed by cycling fans, with a poll posted by Brand (opens in new tab) suggesting over 96 per cent of 4,757 respondents were a fan of the camera and would like to see it implemented more often.
Thank you for reading 5 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
Hi, I'm a Trainee News Writer at Cycling Weekly.
I have worked for Future across its various sports titles since December 2020, writing news for Cycling Weekly, FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture. I am currently studying for a NCTJ qualification alongside my role as Trainee News Writer at the company.
Prior to joining Future I attended Cardiff University, earning a degree in Journalism & Communications.
-
-
Inside the first Global Bike Festival: Road, gravel and mountain biking come together in the Austrian Alps
Cycling Weekly was there to find out why hundreds of people travelled to Austria with their bikes for a weekend
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Should cyclists be worried about skin damage? All you need to know about protecting yourself from harmful rays
As high summer approaches, promising long hours of sun-drenched cycling, here’s what you need to know about the dangers posed by the sun and how to reduce the risk
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
London to host 2022-23 Cyclocross World Cup
The announcement raises the possibility of van der Poel, Van Aert and Vos making a winter appearance in London.
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
What do the UCI's rules for Russian and Belarusian teams and riders actually mean?
Cycling's governing body announced sanctions on teams and riders in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine
By Adam Becket • Published
-
UCI announces teams for the 2022 WorldTour with six new women's teams joining the top tier
The women's top division of the sport is growing every year with yet more teams joining
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
UCI reveals it has refused Qhubeka-NextHash's WorldTour licence for 2022
The South African team has struggled with financial issues for the last few years
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
Women’s WorldTour rider salaries increase by 25 per cent, according to UCI
One year after Women’s WorldTeams were introduced, the governing body praises ‘positive impact on women riders’
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
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
By Jonny Long • Published
-
Tell us: What are your thoughts on the UCI banning the supertuck and forearms on the handlebars position?
Cycling’s international governing body has banned the ‘supertuck’ position and the forearms on handlebars pose, which offer an aerodynamic advantage to any rider adopting these riding styles.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
'The UCI should care about things that need more urgent attention than this': Riders react to new ban on forearms time trial position
The UCI have introduced a series of new rules with some being met with quite a bit of opposition from riders
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published