'Much bigger than a dispute about a 10-tooth cog’ –SRAMcelebrates legal victory over UCI as an end to 'exclusion' of cycling industry from decision-marking

SRAM has secured a significant legal victory against the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) following two rulings by Belgian courts that halted the UCI’s gear restriction protocol. The protocol, aimed at enhancing rider safety by limiting gear ratios to a maximum of 54 teeth at the front and 11 teeth at the rear, effectively targeted SRAM’s road groupsets, which feature a 10-tooth smallest cog. SRAM challenged the restrictions, arguing they unfairly singled out the company and risked damaging its reputation and business. The Market Court in Brussels upheld the Belgian Competition Authority’s earlier decision, rejecting the UCI’s appeal and reinforcing the need for fair regulatory practices. The case extends beyond the technical dispute over a cog size, highlighting broader governance issues within cycling’s regulatory framework. SRAM’s CEO, Ken Lousberg, described the court’s ruling as a landmark decision that sets a precedent for how sports federations must exercise regulatory authority across Europe. The ruling emphasises the importance of open, transparent, objective, and non-discriminatory decision-making processes in sport, drawing on established European Court of Justice principles. This rebuke of the UCI’s approach signals a shift towards more inclusive rule-making that respects the interests of all stakeholders. The controversy also sheds light on the ongoing tensions between the UCI and the cycling industry, particularly in the wake of the contentious introduction of disc brakes to professional road racing. Internal documents cited in the court’s ruling suggest the UCI’s reluctance to involve equipment manufacturers in decision-making stemmed from concerns following the so-called ‘disc brake fiasco’. SRAM and other manufacturers argued that the gear restriction protocol was developed without adequate consultation, a point supported by the courts. This case has brought to the fore the need for better collaboration between the UCI, teams, riders, and industry partners. Looking ahead, SRAM is calling for a more cooperative governance model in the sport, proposing that the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) be formally included in the UCI’s rule-making processes. Lousberg sees the WFSGI as a neutral representative of the cycling industry that can help bridge gaps between stakeholders and foster reforms aimed at improving the sport collectively. The legal victory opens the door for a more inclusive and transparent approach to regulation, with SRAM eager to contribute to shaping the future of cycling through partnership rather than exclusion.