One might have thought that calm had finally returned to the issue of disc brakes in UCI races. But now the dispute behind the scenes has flared up again. Since the beginning of the year, the testing of disc brakes in UCI races has been permitted again. Tom Boonen achieved his first professional victory with disc brakes at the Vuelta a San Juan in January. However, the riders' union CPA sent a letter to the UCI last weekend calling for the tests to be stopped under the current regulations.
On behalf of the professional cyclists, it wants stricter rules: "Rounded brake discs, a protective frame around the discs and only one standardised braking system for all riders." CPA press officer Laura Mora explained this to TOUR. "We are not against technological progress, but we want the UCI to prioritise rider safety."
It was only in 2016 that the UCI suspended the disc brake test following an accident at Paris-Roubaix and the subsequent protests. The test was allowed again in 2017. However, the final introduction of disc brakes in racing has not yet been announced by the UCI.
