Cycling, clothing regulations change

Rome, 10 February 2025 - Between the introduction of the yellow cards and the related additional sanctions and the impending ban on rebreathing without strict medical supervision, this early season has already seen several innovations from theUCI, who also expressed her opinion on the runners' celebrations when a teammate wins. Among more or less clear rules and others that are still to be verified in practice, another variant emerges regarding clothing, which has always been at the centre of various discussions.  

The new regulation

  As reported by DirectVelo, since last 1 February : some changes have been introduced with particular regard to time trial uniforms, which have always been the most controversial and contentious. The change, which is practically a ban, concerns any item of clothing that is not strictly necessary for the functionality of the clothing and accessories. Therefore, radios will remain in force, which have in turn been the focus of various debates (and differing opinions) on their usefulness or, vice versa, on the risks of falls that they would cause, but only if they are no longer wrapped in towels. There is a reason for this move, which is only apparently awkward: many studies on aerodynamics have in fact established that by increasing the volume in the stomach area, the athlete's performance also improves. All of this, since the beginning of February, is no longer possible, as any addition or integration to clothing that is not strictly necessary is expressly prohibited. The surplus is valid both above and below traditional clothing or in the form of any non-essential addition. So, to return to radios, yes to a small case but no to the towel used for completely different purposes in the context of a cycling that goes faster and faster and not just against the clock.

More controversy over the Étoile de Bessèges 2025

  Meanwhile, despite the epilogue of the race (or what remained of it after the withdrawal of several teams) which was the prerogative of Kevin Vauquelin, the controversy surrounding the'Star of Bessèges 2025, the race ended up in the crosshairs of the runners due to the many safety gaps highlighted by the presence of several cars on the track. This time the ones speaking are the volunteers who took care of the regular running of the southern race in person, and apparently with mixed results. France, which to the microphones of DirectVelo have expressed their disappointment and fears. "There is no respect for what we have been doing for years and only because we are driven by passion. We had a good start list, with many teams that do the Tour de France, and now the future of this race is hanging in the balance. We had worked hard for days and the runners left, hurting us. Now we are worried about what theUCI and why many teams might not come anymore. If this race were to disappear, cycling would become more and more like the Formula 1: fewer races and almost all elite ones".

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