The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) would like to clarify its position concerning the disqualification of Dutch rider Jan-Willem Van Schip of BEAT Cycling after stage 3 of the UCI ProSeries stage race, Baloise Belgium Tour.
Mr Van Schip was disqualified for violating article 2.2.025 of the UCI regulations, which specifies “…using the forearms as a point of support on the handlebar is prohibited except in time trials”. The position adopted by the rider on his handlebars did not conform to this regulation, which aims to protect rider safety.
The UCI clarifies that the handlebar in question that led to the disqualification of Mr Van Schip had been presented by its manufacturers to the UCI Equipment Commission earlier in the season. The manufacturers were informed that the handlebar in its current design contradicted the UCI Regulations, and the Commission prohibited the use of the handlebar in UCI sanctioned events until further assessments had been conducted.
Furthermore, in March, all UCI Road Teams were given a presentation and explanation of the UCI’s safety measures, including article 2.2.025, with visual examples of forbidden positions.
Finally, the UCI specifies that since the decision of the UCI Technical Commission, the UCI was never contacted by BEAT Cycling regarding this handlebar until stage 3 of the Belgian race.