UCI to Crack Down on Bike Technology
AIGLE, Switzerland (derailedonline.com) - UCI has alerted cycling teams to their impeding crack down on bicycle technologies. In a very interesting and lengthy article posted at the NY Times, the UCI has stated they will be enforcing rules on bicycle companies to limit the technology that goes into bicycle design. This is similar to what happened in the 1990's. For road bikes, this means a huge hit on time trial bikes that often employ some unorthodox designs.
UCI sent out warning letters in January of 2009; however, most major bike teams had already accepted delivery of their bikes. A lot of the debate stems around aerodynamic properties of things like time trail bikes. As with what happened in the 1990’s, UCI claims that it has become a race of technology and not of rider skill. UCI does not appear to be taking into account the impact their decisions might make on the bicycle industry during such a sensitive time. Coupled with the hardships of the current world economic situation this ruling could propel companies into dumpster.
What was not said in the article but of note is what will happen if anything to mountain bikes. Mountain bikes thrive from advancements in technology. The technology used in mountain bikes makes it capable to do the things riders do on them and race the courses they race. Will UCI also impose these restrictions on mountain bikes? If they do, it will deal a hefty blow to the mountain bike industry.
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Posted on May 6, 2009 07:33:51 -0400 by Brady.