Irish cycling's national governing body has set out its policy for 2018 in relation to disc brakes in road races.
Cycling Ireland 2018 policy on disc brakes in road races
Despite a number of cycling federations deciding to approve disc brakes for domestic races, Cycling Ireland has continued to take a cautious approach.
It is keeping its ban in place for the 2018 season. This will apply to the vast majority of riders.
However, those riding with Conti, ProConti or WorldTour teams will be permitted to use the brakes.
Once they are riding races in Ireland that are open to them they can use disc brakes.
Cycling Ireland said the difference in braking efficiency between disc and calliper brakes is its chief safety concern.
And it was banning the use of discs until the UCI resolves that matter.
However, by allowing pro riders use discs when they compete here, it means there will be a mix of disc and regular brakes in some races.
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Riders with UCI-ranked teams who ride the Rás or the national championships, for example, will be allowed to use discs.
But the amateur riders will still be banned from using discs in those races.
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British Cycling has said that it will permit the use of disc brakes at all levels in road races next year.
Australia and the USA are two more examples of cycling federations who allow discs in domestic racing.
Stickybottle asked Cycling Ireland earlier this month if a decision had been made on discs.
A reply was promised though it has still not materialised.
Instead, today Cycling Ireland tweeted a two-paragraph statement on the subject.
It seemed to pass responsibility for the issue to its road commission.
The road commission is made up of unpaid volunteers rather than Cycling Ireland full-time employees.
The statement is somewhat unclear in places but nonetheless confirms the position around disc brakes for next year.
“Due to the UCI disc brakes trial set to continue for another year at professional level only with UCI, the road commission recommend that Cycling Ireland continue to prohibit road bikes fitted with disc brakes in Cycling Ireland domestic sanctioned competitive road events,” it said.
“The only exception to this rule will be UCI professional riders competition in A+ Cycling Ireland events.
“The road commission principal safety concern regarding the trial is mixed braking performance in the domestic peloton, with a distinct difference in stopping power between disc brakes and traditional callipers.
“Until these safety concerns are addressed by the UCI the exclusion will continue. Cycling Ireland Road Commission will evaluate the status again at the end of the 2018 season.”
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