Strict gear rules apply for NZ Club Nationals

Apr 14th, 10. While USA Cycling have decided to adopt a tolerant attitude to compliance of the UCI gear rules, deeming 2009 bikes legal, BikeNZ have confirmed they are sticking to the strict UCI rules.

For all races below UCI 1.1 or 2.1, and particularly junior, women and masters events, USA Cycling have announced they are adopting a more tolerant approach to bike compliance.  In a statement issued this week USA Cycling said the decision came after a recent notice from the UCI which allowed them to take this new approach for 2010.

USA Cycling statement

USA Cycling will not be enforcing the more strict version of the 3/1 rule (UCI 1.3.024) or the 8 cm rule (UCI 1.3.020) in races of 1.2 or 2.2 or below, similar to the recent decision regarding bicycles at Masters National Championships. Simply stated, if a bicycle was legal in 2009, it will be considered legal in 2010 in all races below 1.1 or 2.1.

The same interpretation of the rules that were applied in 2009 will be relevant in 2010. Bicycle weight, wheel regulations and distance measurements (5 cm seat back, 75 cm handlebar extensions) will be enforced in all races run under UCI rules, including national championship and NRC events. However, a more lenient interpretation of UCI rule 1.3.020 (8 cm height rule) and UCI rule 1.3.024 (3/1 aspect ratio) will be used for 2010.

The recently publicised rule, commonly known as the eight cm height rule, which led to questions about the Specialized Transition and Specialized Shiv will not be enforced at races below 1.1 or 2.1 in 2010.

Also, the strict application of UCI rule 1.3.024 (3/1 aspect ratio) will not be applied to components at those events this year. Therefore, a bicycle that was legal in 2009 is legal in 2010. All other UCI bicycle rules (weight, wheel type, rider position) will remain in effect as they were in 2009.

USA Cycling went on to say all equipment used in time trial events in UCI races must however be compliant with all UCI regulations beginning January 1, 2011.

BikeNZ approach

RoadCycling.co.nz contacted BikeNZ to get their comment on the USA's lenient approach to the rules and were told BikeNZ Road and Track are sticking to the strict interpretation.

"At the moment BikeNZ Road and Track are sticking to the strict UCI rules.  The 3/1 rule will apply at the Club Road Nationals, and the event has been promoted as having to apply," a BikeNZ spokesperson said. 

If you are racing at the Club Road Nationals later this month and are concerned about your bike's compliance, talk to your club in the first instance.