UCI targets aero tricks, tech overload and dangerous finishes in major rule shake-up

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has unveiled a series of significant rule changes aimed at improving rider safety, with new regulations covering race finishes, jersey design, bike computers and course signage set to be introduced over the next two years.

The measures were approved at last week’s UCI Management Committee meeting and form part of the governing body’s ongoing effort to reduce crashes and improve safety across professional cycling.

Finish lines must feature 200-metre straight

Among the most notable changes is a new requirement that race finishes include a straight run-in of at least 200 metres before the finish line.

From July 1, race organisers will be required to ensure the final section of a course complies with stricter safety standards.

“The finishing straight should be as long as possible, at least 200 metres. This is especially important for events likely to finish in bunch sprints,” the revised Rule 2.2.017 states.

While the regulation specifically references sprint finishes, the wording applies across road racing generally and is expected to influence course design throughout the international calendar.

The amendment strengthens an existing rule that has been in place since 2021. Previously, organisers were instructed to pay “special attention” to the final section of the race route and the last 100 metres of bunch sprints, but no minimum distance was specified.

The move follows increasing criticism of technical finishes featuring tight corners and narrow roads close to the finish line, with several high-profile incidents in recent seasons prompting calls for greater safety standards.

Front jersey pockets banned

The UCI has also moved to outlaw front jersey pockets after observing a growing trend among riders using them to gain an aerodynamic advantage.

According to the governing body, several riders were carrying nutrition products in internal front pockets that were so difficult to access during racing that they were often never consumed.

Instead, the pockets altered the rider’s body shape and, according to studies cited by the UCI, provided measurable aerodynamic benefits.

“These pockets result in significant alterations to the riders’ body shape,” the UCI said.

Concerned about the link between aerodynamic gains, increased speed and crash severity, as well as issues of sporting fairness, the UCI has ruled that jersey pockets must be located exclusively on the rear of the garment.

From July 1, any pocket positioned on the front of a jersey will be prohibited, with the exception of a pocket designed solely to hold a race radio.

Limits on bike computer size

Technology has also come under the spotlight, with the UCI introducing size limits for bike computers from January 1, 2028.

Devices used in competition will be restricted to a maximum size of 126mm by 71mm, effectively matching the largest units currently available on the market.

The rule is not expected to affect existing devices but is designed to prevent future growth in screen size and the amount of information displayed to riders during races.

The UCI said the decision was prompted by concerns over rider distraction and cognitive workload.

“Several studies have shown that the increasing volume of data available to riders during competition can contribute to an increased cognitive workload, a key factor in the occurrence of accidents,” the organisation said.

Officials believe limiting computer size will help prevent an excessive increase in the amount of race data available to riders and reduce the potential for distraction in high-pressure race situations.

Standardised Hazard Signage

Another key initiative will see standardised safety signage introduced across the international racing calendar from next season.

The system will provide consistent warnings for hazards such as road narrowings, sharp turns, speed bumps, level crossings and other obstacles.

The UCI hopes a uniform set of signals will allow riders to recognise dangers more quickly regardless of the race or country in which they are competing.

Together, the changes represent one of the most comprehensive safety-focused updates to the UCI rulebook in recent years, although notably makes no formal mention of implementing individual rider safety technology as we wrote about earlier in the year.