Belgian Competition Authority Halts UCI Gear Cap Rule - SRAM Scores a Big Win

"The ongoing clash between SRAM and the UCI over proposed gear restrictions has taken a significant turn. The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has ordered the UCI to suspend its planned trial limiting gear ratios. The trial rules were originally scheduled to take effect for the upcoming Tour of Guangxi. However, the ruling gear cap rule cites serious competition law concerns and potential harm to SRAM and its sponsored WorldTour teams."

"The UCI's now-shelved rule would have capped riders' top gearing at 54×11. The organization said the gear cap is intended to improve safety by reducing maximum speeds. The BCA wasn't convinced. In its ruling (issued October 9), the authority said the rule "does not meet the required conditions of objectivity and transparency". Stating the capped gearing rule could cause "serious and difficult to repair harm" to SRAM's business and reputation."

"The ruling effectively halts the UCI's gearing trial until the governing body can produce a version that meets standards of "proportionality, objectivity, transparency, and non-discrimination." The BCA also ordered the UCI to acknowledge the suspension publicly and warned that failure to comply could result in penalties. SRAM CEO Ken Lousberg didn't mince words earlier this month, saying the rule "penalises and discourages innovation". Sataing it has already caused "reputational damage, market confusion, and potential legal exposure.""

Belgian Competition Authority ordered suspension of the UCI's trial to cap top gearing at 54×11, citing competition law concerns and potential harm to SRAM and its WorldTour teams. The trial had been scheduled for the Tour of Guangxi and aimed to improve safety by reducing maximum speeds. The BCA found the rule lacked objectivity and transparency and could unfairly disadvantage SRAM, the only major supplier without a compliant 54×11 setup. The UCI must produce a revised rule meeting proportionality, objectivity, transparency and non-discrimination. The BCA required public acknowledgement of the suspension and warned of penalties for non-compliance.

Read at Bikerumor