This is because, SRAM says, it is \u201cthe only major manufacturer whose current pro team setup will be blocked\u201d by the proposed regulations.<\/p>\n
SRAM says its formal complaint comes after multiple failed attempts \u201cto engage the UCI and raise concerns about the impact of the Maximum Gearing Protocol\u201d.<\/p>\n
Although SRAM notes it will continue to support its pro teams to comply with the proposed trial event at the Tour of Guangxi in October, a \u201clack of transparency and collaboration left legal action as the only remaining path forward\u201d, according to SRAM\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n
SRAM alleges the UCI’s Maximum Gearing Protocol:<\/p>\n
Was adopted without consultation or transparency and lacks supporting empirical evidence, and any safety justification.
\nDisadvantages SRAM-equipped riders in professional cycling events.
\nDistorts competition in the road drivetrain market by limiting choice for professional teams and ultimately consumers, because SRAM relies on top-level teams to use and market its products.
\nViolates EU and Belgian competition law (Articles 101 and 102 TFEU).<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Primoz-Roglic_Specialized-S-Works-Tarmac-SL8_20250704_SvB_A6300_BR_1386-scaled.jpg\")
SRAM says a \u201clack of transparency and collaboration left legal action as the only remaining path forward”. Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/p>\n
Speaking on behalf of the brand, SRAM CEO Ken Lousberg, said: \u201cThis protocol penalizes and discourages innovation and puts our riders and teams at a competitive disadvantage.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe rely on the sport\u2019s governing body to foster an environment that encourages innovation for the benefit of riders and racers today, and riders in the future. We also rely on the governing body to make science-based, impactful changes for rider safety.\u201d<\/p>\n
The statement also notes that while the UCI says the 2025 Tour of Guangxi will be a \u201ctest\u201d event for the proposed gearing restrictions, SRAM feels \u201cits implementation has already caused tangible harm\u201d to its brand.<\/p>\n
\u201cSRAM\u2019s gearing has been publicly labeled as non-compliant, creating reputational damage, market confusion, team and athlete anxiety, and potential legal exposure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lousberg says: \u201cSRAM-equipped teams will have to race at a disadvantage on compromised equipment with a reduced number of gearing options compared to their competitors. It\u2019s also not clear what is being tested.\u201d<\/p>\n
As first reported by Daniel Benson<\/a>, the UCI has said that \u201crelevant data will be monitored and feedback from all stakeholders will be gathered to study the effects\u201d of the restrictions \u2013 but exactly what the “relevant data\u201d is remains unclear.<\/p>\n As we noted back in June, the UCI\u2019s proposed restrictions will affect SRAM-sponsored teams most heavily, due to SRAM\u2019s extensive use of cassettes that start with 10t sprockets.<\/p>\n Under the UCI\u2019s proposed rollout limit of 10.46m, SRAM-sponsored athletes would face using chainrings no longer than 49t \u2013 and taking a hit to drivetrain efficiency compared to rivals using bigger chainrings<\/a> \u2013 or artificially limiting their derailleurs to 11 out of the 12 available rear sprockets, so that the 10t isn\u2019t accessible.<\/p>\n Alternatively, SRAM could row back on its use of 10t sprockets, and provide teams and riders with cassettes starting with 11t sprockets, but SRAM notes that \u201ccomplying with the protocol would require a full redesign and technical step back \u2013 a process that would take years\u201d.<\/p>\n SRAM is also critical of the UCI\u2019s framing of the trial as \u201ca safety initiative”, noting that \u201cno evidence has been presented to support such claims\u201d.<\/p>\n It claims its own analysis of \u201ccrash data\u201d from the 2025 Tour de France<\/a> \u201cfound no correlation between higher rollout configurations and crash risk\u201d.<\/p>\n SRAM says it has requested \u201cthe immediate suspension of the gearing restrictions\u201d, as well as \u201crepresentation\u201d for manufacturers on the board responsible for the UCI\u2019s technical regulations.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Primoz-Roglic_Specialized-S-Works-Tarmac-SL8_20250704_SvB_A6300_BR_1387-scaled.jpg\")
SRAM says it will be forced to race at a disadvantage because of the restrictions. Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/p>\n