New rule planned: UCI sets its sights on grip positions

There are many regulations and restrictions on the dimensions of racing bikes that may be ridden in professional cycling. Article 1.3.012 of the UCI Technical Regulations states that the overall width of a racing bike must not exceed 500 mm. On 1 January of this year, a minimum handlebar width of 350 mm was also introduced. This does not specifically regulate the turning of the brake levers. However, a bike may not be modified beyond its intended use.

Extreme grip positions will be restricted in 2024

On 14 December, the annual UCI Congress took place in Lausanne, where inwardly curved brake levers were also discussed. A statement said that the UCI was currently working with the cycling industry to "create a clear regulation for the extremely inward-facing brake levers". These were introduced in professional cycling by Jan Willem Van Schip and have found their way onto many other professional bikes in recent years.

New rule planned by UCI for 2025

This positioning of the brake levers is said to have significant aerodynamic advantages. For safety reasons, however, these brake lever positions are to be restricted for the 2024 season before new regulations are formally expected in 2025. "The positioning of the brake levers with an extreme inclination limits the braking performance of the riders and represents a modification of the product that goes beyond its intended use," explained the UCI at the congress. And it's not just the UCI that finds the brake lever position too dangerous. Some riders from the peloton criticise the safety and even blame this position for some accidents, reports the online platform Bike.

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It remains to be seen exactly what the restrictions announced by the UCI for 2024 will look like. What is clear is that the word "extreme" is a very elastic term... For the following year, however, the governing body was more specific: "In 2025, new regulations will come into force requiring compliance with the installation guidelines set by the brake lever manufacturers." The UCI wants to be able to better check the angle adjustment of the brake levers with a special device, reports Cycling Weekly.

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In 2021, the UCI banned the so-called "puppy-paws" position, in which the rider places their forearms on the handlebars to gain aerodynamic advantages. As a result, the brake levers on many professional racing bikes were bent further and further inwards, which could soon come to an end.