‘We received no announcement that this was coming’ – Visma-Lease a Bike left furious after UCI bans tyre pressure system just before Paris-Roubaix

Visma-Lease a Bike has expressed strong frustration after the UCI abruptly banned the use of an innovative tyre pressure adjustment system developed in partnership with Dutch company GRAVAA. The device, which allows riders to modify tyre pressure on the move, offers a significant advantage on cobbled races such as Paris-Roubaix, scheduled for this Sunday. The ban came with little prior notice, leaving the team feeling blindsided just weeks before a major event where the system could have been decisive. Mathieu Heijboer, Visma’s head of performance, criticised the UCI’s communication and rationale behind the ban, describing it as vague and poorly timed. He highlighted that the team had used the system without issue at the GP Denain, another prominent cobbled race, only to receive a sudden letter two weeks ago declaring it prohibited. Heijboer emphasised that the system had been extensively tested and developed over the past two years and argued that it remains commercially available, challenging the UCI’s justification for the ban. The GRAVAA system enables riders to soften their tyres before tackling cobbled sections and then re-inflate them for optimal performance on smoother terrain. Despite its potential benefits, the technology’s high cost—around €4,000 per complete setup—led to the company’s bankruptcy earlier this year, which the UCI cited as part of its reasoning. However, Visma disputes the claim that the system is not commercially accessible, asserting that it complies with competition rules as long as it is available at the time of the race. The ban’s timing has significant implications for Visma’s riders, including Wout van Aert, who has previously excelled on cobbles and was expected to benefit from the system in Paris-Roubaix. Heijboer admitted the decision reduces van Aert’s chances and lamented the loss of a competitive edge gained through innovation. While the team plans to contest the ruling, the late notice and logistical challenges mean they will not use the system in this year’s race, potentially altering the dynamics of one of cycling’s most iconic events.