USA Cycling bows to UCI pressure on radios

Mar 23rd, 11. Ten days after announcing they would allow rider radios in NRC events, USA Cycling have reversed their decision after discussions with the UCI.

At the time they announced they would allow radios, USA Cycling said it had listened to input from various parties and considered all aspects on the racing environment and determined that allowing radios was the best decision all round.

Today, however, it appears the UCI have put pressure on the cycling body, indicating UCI teams and riders would not be allowed to race events where radios were allowed. This has forced USA Cycling's hand, and radios will once again be banned in the National Racing Calendar events.

In Europe, this debate is causing a huge rift between the UCI and the pro-riders and teams who do not feel they have enough of a voice in the running of their sport.  All teams have unanimously signed an accord saying they will boycott October's Tour of Beijing (run and promoted by the UCI) if radios are not permitted in all races by 1 May.

Today's statement from USA Cycling

Based on concerns raised by cycling's international federation, the UCI, USA Cycling reversed its earlier decision and will continue the ban on the use of race radios in all national-level competition; including USA Cycling's National Racing Calendar (NRC) and national championship events.

"After consultation with the UCI, it is apparent that allowing race radios in domestic NRC races would negatively impact the UCI registered teams and riders who would no longer be allowed to compete in these events," explained Bill Peterson, president of the USA Cycling board of directors and USPRO board member.

"The absence of UCI registered teams and riders would have a highly detrimental impact, not only on the team sponsors, but also on the hard working NRC promoters and the sponsors and communities who support these races."

"While we remain convinced of the value of race radios with regard to their potential for increased safety for riders and spectators, we will respect the UCI's request to continue the ban of race radios in national calendar races and national championships," said Steve Johnson, USA Cycling CEO.

Other articles on this issue

• PureBlack Racing react to radio decision
• Radio ban debate heats up in Europe