The Radsport World Association UCI has decided on a new set of rules in the 2026 season. The goal: the races should become safer for the drivers. One of the changes could do exactly the opposite. The criticism is correspondingly sharp.
From the 2026 cycling season, Tadej Pogacar and Co. have to adjust to some changes. These were officially waved through the UCI World Association last week. Among other things, the regulations for helmets, the depth of the rim, the fork width and the handlebar width were changed. The last point is particularly problematic.
The UCI has set a minimum handlebar width of 40 centimeters from next year. This is “completely absurd”, among other things, the young Norwegian Felix Ørn-Kristoff in the “NRK” discussion about the change. And he is far from the only one.
“These new rules are extremely discriminatory”
The rule of thumb says: The width of the handlebar should correspond at a maximum of the driver’s shoulder width. Now most cycling professionals are built rather narrower and rarely come to 40 centimeters. This applies to the smaller drivers, but especially to a large part of the women. There is hardly a 40 centimeter wide handlebar in their starter field. They are also more exception for men as a rule. This will change from January 1, says the UCI.
“These new rules are extremely discriminatory against women and smaller men. This will postpone the distribution of victories to the larger drivers,” an insider unsolicited in an interview with the “Bikeradar” specialist portal.
Cycling association has “ignored everything”
The insider reported that cycling manufacturer Cervélo alone in the Visma women’s team | Lease A Bike 14 of 18 drivers have to change/enlarge. In the Norwegian team Coop – Repsol it would even be 13 out of 13. This is what a rat tail depends, because with another handlebar width, the seating position inevitably also changes. To a certain extent, this can be collected. If you sit on your bike for more than 40 hours a week, you have to withstand extreme stress. Problems with hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders are inevitable.
“You ignored everything that the industry said. Really everything,” the insider polished against the UCI. Since “eternity”, the changes have been discussed. The professional circus was not heard.
“Big disadvantage” for small drivers
The Norwegian cycling professional Sondre Sørtveit agrees with the fundamental assessment that too narrow handlebars influence handling and thus safety. Only: “The fact that a 1.50 meter or 1.60 meter little woman gets the same regulations as a big man is wrong.”
The Norwegian Ingvild Gåskjenn fears that she will have to drive in a “very unnatural position” in the future and sees a “big disadvantage” for smaller drivers. “The shoulders are more tense,” she indicated health consequences in the “NRK” conversation. Follow that the UCI apparently had little thought about.