20251009_Press_release_41_BCA.pdf (This hyperlink opens a new window)

20251009_Press_release_41_BCA.pdf (This hyperlink opens a new window)

City Atrium T +32 2 277 52 72 info@bma - abc.be Rue du Progrès 50 http://www.belgiancompetition.be 1210 Brussels PRESS RELEASE N° 41 /202 5 9 October 202 5 The Belgian Competition Authority suspends the technical standard of the International Cycling Union limiting the maximum gear ratio allowed in professional road cycling events On 9 October 2025, the Belgian Competition Authority ("BCA") decided to impose interim measures aimed at suspending the technical standard adopted by the International Cycling Union ("UCI") limiting the maximum gear ratio allowed in professional road cycling events to a transmission ratio of 54x11 ("Maximum Gear Ratio Standard"). The BCA recognises the legitimacy and importance for a sports regulator such as the UCI to ensure the safety of athletes. However, the procedures for determining technical standards enacted for this purpose, as well as the related tests, must meet essential conditions of pr oportionality, objectivity, transparency and non - discrimination in view of the economic consequences of these standards. They can not result in an undue restriction of competition between sports equipment suppliers. T he BCA considers prima facie that the Ma ximum Gear Ratio Standard and the procedure s governing its adoption by the UCI do not meet the required conditions of objectivity and transparency . The standard further generat es disproportionate negative effects on a sports equipment supplier, namely SRAM. SRAM is one of the two main suppliers of transmission systems for road bikes used by professional riders and the only one that does not currently have a product meeting the requirements of the Maximum Gear Ratio Standard . T h e standard , adopted under disputable conditions , is likely to cause harm to SRAM that is serious and difficult to repair, thereby justif ying its suspension. T he harm also extends to professional cycling teams equipped with SRAM transmission systems. Furthermore, the urgency of adopting interim measures is motivated by the first application of the Maximum Gear Ratio Standard during the Tour of Guangxi in China, starting on 14 October 2025, which closes the UCI World Tour calendar for this season. Consequently, on a conservatory basis, the BCA has decided: • To require the UCI to suspend immediately, and no later than 13 October, the implementation of the Maximum Gear Ratio Standard; • To prohibit the UCI from imposing transmission ratio limitations or taking any other measure having the direct or indirect effect of prohibiting the use of certain types of transmission s ystems in any professional road cycling event governed by the UCI, either until the UCI adopts a new safety measure based on a transparent, objective and non - discriminatory procedure, or until a decision on the merits is adopted; • To require the UCI to publish, within 24 hours following the date of notification of the decision, a press release indicating that the Maximum Gear Ratio Standard is not applicable and referring to the BCA's decision. City Atrium T +32 2 277 52 72 info@bma - abc.be Rue du Progrès 50 http://www.belgiancompetition.be 1210 Brussels The implementation of the interim measures adopted today will be monitored by the BCA's Investigation and Prosecution Service . In the event of non - compliance, the imposition of penalty payments may be requested from the BCA's Competition College , which will also arbitrate disputes concerning the interpretation of its decision. The decision will soon be published on the website of the BCA . For more information , please contact: Axel Desmedt President Tel: + 32 (2) 277 92 80 E - mail: axel.desmedt @bma - abc.be Website: www.bma - abc.be The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) is an independent administrative authority that contributes to the definition and implementation of competition policy in Belgium. Concretely, the BCA pursues anti - competitive practices, such as cartels and abuses of a dominant position, and reviews the main merger operations. The BCA cooperates with the other competition authorities of the member states of the European Union and the European Commission within the European Competition Network (ECN)

Belgian Competition Authority Suspends Controversial Cycling Gear Ratio Standard

On October 9, 2025, the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) announced the suspension of the Maximum Gear Ratio Standard set by the International Cycling Union (UCI), which limits the maximum gear ratio in professional road cycling events.

 The BCA acknowledged the UCI's role in ensuring athlete safety but criticized the standard's adoption process for lacking objectivity and transparency. The BCA found that the standard disproportionately affects SRAM, a key supplier of transmission systems for road bikes, as it does not currently offer products that meet the new requirements.

 The urgency of the BCA's decision is heightened by the upcoming Tour of Guangxi, which starts on October 14, 2025. The BCA has mandated that the UCI suspend the implementation of the standard by October 13 and refrain from imposing any transmission ratio limitations until a new, compliant safety measure is established.

 The BCA will monitor compliance with these interim measures and may impose penalties for non-compliance. The decision will be published on the BCA's website shortly.



Belgian Competition Authority Suspends Controversial Cycling Gear Ratio Standard

The Belgian Competition Authority has suspended the International Cycling Union's new gear ratio standard for professional cycling, citing concerns over competition and transparency.