"Starting January 1, 2027, national federations will be required to adhere to maximum allowable prices on key components, framesets, forks, wheels, handlebars/extensions, helmets, and skinsuits. The aim is to bridge the competitive divide between wealthy and smaller cycling nations, making Olympic-level gear more accessible to those with limited financial resources. But that's only as long as said equipment doesn't include a 10t cog ( inside joke here)."
"The latest ruling isn't the first time the UCI has regulated gear, but imposing cost ceilings is a significant escalation. National teams will no longer be able to splash out on exotic carbon frames or proprietary aero helmets with open-ended budgets. The measures, approved by the UCI's Management Committee during their meeting at the World Road Championships in Kigali, weren't hastily put together; they came with updates to previous technical rules (e.g., handlebar widths, helmet standards, e-sports weigh-ins) as part of a broader effort"
"The UCI's Equipment Regulations (which cover the Olympic Games) require that any frames, wheels, handlebars, helmets, and other racing gear used in competition must be: Approved and registered with the UCI in advance. Commercially available to the public within a certain timeframe (usually 12 months of being used in competition). This is meant to prevent teams from having access to "secret prototypes" or one-off, prohibitively expensive gear that other nations or riders can't obtain. However, there are some significant loopholes."
The UCI will implement maximum price limits on framesets, forks, wheels, handlebars/extensions, helmets, skinsuits, and key components effective January 1, 2027, obliging national federations to comply. The policy aims to narrow the competitive advantage that wealthy federations gain from high-cost, proprietary equipment and to broaden access to Olympic-level gear for smaller nations with limited budgets. The measures accompany updates to existing technical rules and were approved by the UCI Management Committee in Kigali. Existing equipment regulations already require UCI approval and commercial availability, but practical loopholes have allowed limited public access to specialized gear.
Read at Bikerumor
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