UCI statement on disc brakes in full; doesn't rule out future use

The UCI has said it was suspending the use of disc brakes as a direct result of the injuries caused to Movistar's Francisco Ventoso in Paris-Roubaix on Sunday, but has not ruled out future use.

The UCI has issued a statement confirming it has suspended with immediate effect the use of disc brakes by professional road race teams.

The world governing body said the move came about as a direct result of Francisco Ventoso's injuries that were sustained in Paris-Roubaix on Sunday.

He was cut to the bone when he was forced to unclip about 130km into the race on a section of pavé to avoid others who had fallen and were blocking his way.

And while he says his leg only touched the bike of the rider next to him before he quickly continued on his way, when he looked down at his leg a little further up the road he could see to the bone.

Interestingly, the UCI has said while it had suspended the use of disc brakes, consultation of whether they could be used again would continue.

UCI statement on disc brakes, Thurs, April 14th

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.