The UCI confirms the changes that cyclists and teams will have to adapt to in time trials

The International Cycling Union (UCI) he wants the cyclists’ performance in individual time trials to be as reliable as possible, with no external elements changing them and the runners’ safety as high as possible. For this reason, the highest body of cycling has decided to apply a series of measures this season that in a certain way have been known since the end of last year and that this Monday ICU was made official

Thus, the rule of the minimum distance allowed between the rider and the vehicles following him in individual time trials on the route has been changed (art. 2.4.023), which must remain at least 25 meters behind of the cyclist (previously it was 10. meters).. This new rule aims to ensure that the results of time trials are not influenced by the proximity of the rider to the vehicle following him and, therefore, guarantees fairness to competitive sports and increase rider safety.

Although the importance of the aerodynamic benefits that can be achieved in cycling is known, a study conducted by Eindhoven University of Technology (Netherlands) showed that a vehicle close to the cyclist can change the airflow around the cyclist and potentially produce an advantage for the cyclist. The study confirms that the presence of a car 10 m behind a runner gives the athlete an advantage of 0.05 seconds per kilometer at a speed of 46.8 km / h (speed corresponding to that achieved in time trials) . This is equivalent to one second in the 20 km time trial. However, by extending the distance to 15m, the advantage becomes negligible.

The UCI informs that after consulting interested parties, the decision was made to increase the minimum distance between the driver and the following vehicle to 25 meters. This distance, which is more than the 15 m indicated, ensures that the presence of vehicles does not affect the cyclist’s performance. In addition, the 25 m distance aims to increase cyclist safety by giving the car driver more reaction time in the event of an accident or unexpected incident.

The UCI recognizes that some vehicles in the race convoy (those of stewards, TV bikes or photographers) may stay closer when performing their respective duties. However, they should stay out of the direct wake (ie next to) of the rider to minimize any potential aerodynamic gains.

Material changes too

When it comes to time trial equipment, and more specifically time trial handlebar measurements, the new regulations have been updated to better account for the different heights of riders and provide more flexibility to adjust their position.

For riders in Height Category 1 (less than 180 cm), the maximum horizontal distance between the center of the bottom bracket and the end of the extensions may be 80 cm. In addition, the difference in height between the arm support and the highest point of extension must be less than 10 cm. For runners in height category 2 (180 – 189.9 cm) and height category 3 (190 cm or more), the maximum measurements are 83/12 cm and 85/14 cm respectively. To accommodate previous regulatory changes, the maximum angle of inclination of the forearm mount of the handlebar extensions has been increased from 15 to 30°.

The aim of the new regulations is to give cyclists more stability and safety while maintaining an aerodynamic position.