Updated: UCI officially suspends disc brake testing

The UCI, cycle sport’s world governing body, has confirmed that it has formally suspended the use of disc brakes in road racing, and the WFSGI, a body representing much of the bike industry, has reacted to this move.

We told you last night that reports were coming out suggested this was the case and now the UCI has issued this statement:

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) today announces that it has decided to suspend, with immediate effect, the trial of disc brakes currently being carried out in road races.

This decision follows a request to do so made by the Association Internationale des Groupes Cyclistes Professionnels (AIGCP) – which represents all professional cycling teams – following the injuries suffered by Movistar Team rider Francisco Ventoso at Sunday’s Paris-Roubaix Classic. This request is supported by the Cyclistes Professionnels Associés (CPA), which represents riders.

The first tests of disc brakes were carried out in August and September 2015. UCI WorldTeams were given the possibility to test bikes mounted with these brakes at two events of their choice. After in-depth discussions with stakeholders, the UCI then decided to authorise riders from all categories of professional road teams to use disc brakes in 2016, and to closely monitor their use during the year.

The UCI will now continue its extensive consultations on this subject by way of its Equipment Commission, which is made up of representatives of teams, riders, mechanics, fans, commissaires and the bicycle industry – via the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) – all the while reaffirming that rider security has always been and will always remain its absolute priority.

The UCI has not put a timescale on how long this consultation process is likely to take or given any indication as to the precise content of these discussions.

We’ve been in contact with the WFSGI. That body, which represents many of the biggest brands in the bike industry as well as brands from the wider sports world, told us that it would release an official statement soon.

There’s no doubt that the big bike brands want to sell disc brake equipped road bikes and they clearly use the pro peloton as a shop window for their high-end race products.

On the other hand, it wouldn’t do them any good at all for riders to be seen to be injured as a result of using disc brakes, so it’ll be interesting to see how the WFSGI reacts. We’re expecting a review of the evidence and an examination of whether disc brakes can be made less likely to cause damage in the event of a crash.

Check out our article: Have disc brakes really led to injuries in peloton? 

The reaction from the WFSGI has just come in. Again, we'll print the statement in full.

The WFSGI, as representative body of the bicycle industry, would like to make a statement on its position regarding the suspension of the trial of disc brakes in road racing.

Following the accident which happened to Spanish rider Francisco Ventoso from Team Movistar last Sunday at Paris-Roubaix, the UCI has decided to suspend the trial of disc brakes in road racing with immediate effect. The WFSGI would like to clearly state that the safety of riders has equally highest priority for the industry.

WFSGI Secretary General Robbert de Kock said: “The suspension was decided by the UCI for safety reasons and can be supported therefore. Nevertheless the WFSGI asks the UCI to immediately start the collaboration with all stakeholders on the future of disc brakes and safety in road racing.”

As a base for any future decisions, the WFSGI requests the UCI do a full investigation on the accident happened at Paris-Roubaix on Sunday. The WFSGI supports clear and proper investigations and analysis of such accidents and making important decisions for several stakeholders in road racing based on the results of them. The WFSGI already expressed its full support to the UCI for any collaboration which will appropriately manage the risks associated with all aspects in road racing.

The industry is confident that disc brakes continue to be one of the products of the future and will become an important part of road racing."

This one looks set to run and run.