![\"UCI](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2025-SRAM-Red-AXS-road-groupset-review-escape-collective-dave-rome-12.jpg\")
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Tech news<\/a><\/p>\n A fresh statement from the governing body defends gearing limit trial as the court battle escalates.<\/p>\n Escape staff<\/p>\n The UCI has issued a second statement<\/a> addressing the growing controversy around its proposed maximum gearing limit trial. In the new statement, issued September 20 just after its first communication on the news that SRAM was pursuing legal action over the issue, cycling\u2019s governing body reiterated its safety rationale and questioned SRAM\u2019s opposition to the trial. The press release accused the American component manufacturer of \u201cundermining the necessary unity among cycling stakeholders, which is essential for progress toward a safer sport.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n SRAM takes UCI to court in battle over gear restrictions<\/p>\n SRAM\u2019s complaint is a rare legal showdown that could reshape how cycling\u2019s rules are made.<\/p>\n The new statement comes in response to SRAM’s legal complaint to the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) after the BCA confirmed it had opened a formal investigation. While the UCI initially expressed surprise at the timing of the announcement<\/a>, claiming it had not yet been served the complaint, it has now doubled down on its defence of the upcoming gearing trial. The federation insists that the trial, scheduled for October\u2019s Tour of Guangxi, is justified, procedurally sound and has rider support.<\/p>\n This latest statement marks a notable shift in tone. Where the UCI\u2019s initial response expressed surprise at the BCA\u2019s announcement<\/a>, this follow-up is a direct response to SRAM\u2019s statement on the matter and moves into more defensive territory, emphasising the rule\u2019s development in \u201cgood faith,\u201d asserting broad stakeholder involvement, and questioning SRAM\u2019s motives.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n In the statement, the UCI insists the protocol was developed following consultation with stakeholders through SafeR \u2013 the body comprising representatives from teams, riders, organisers and the UCI itself. According to the UCI, the CPA (Cyclistes Professionnels Associ\u00e9s) \u201cconfirmed its desire for this test to be carried out\u201d at a Professional Cycling Council meeting on 10 September, and claims a majority of riders backed the idea in a questionnaire conducted before the protocol was finalised. CPA president Adam Hansen did not immediately respond to Escape Collective’s request for comment, but riders Escape has spoken with in the past have said they question the survey’s methodology.<\/p>\n This post is for paying subscribers only Already have an account? Sign in<\/a><\/p>\n Did we do a good job with this story?<\/p>\n \n \ud83d\udc4dYep![\"Ronan](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ronan-Mc-Laughlin-150x150.jpg\")
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