The UCI will testIn October, a new rule was introduced that aims to limit gear ratios in competition, in an attempt to reduce the sometimes impressive evolution of speeds in races, for safety reasons. At the Tour of Guangxi (China, October 14-19, World Tour), riders will be limited to a development of 10,46 m per crank revolution (or 54/11 with 700×28 tires). The American equipment manufacturer SRAM has filed a complaint with the Belgian Competition Authority to contestThis gear-limiting protocol is in place. The brand only offers its riders cassettes with a smaller 10-tooth cog.
On September 12, 2025, SRAM filed a complaint with the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) against the International Cycling Union's (UCI) gear-limiting protocol. This rule, applied at the Tour of Guangxi on an experimental basis before possibly being adopted permanently for subsequent seasons, excludes the 54/10 combination used by many SRAM-equipped riders.
Note that to cope with the increase in speeds in racing, many Shimano-equipped riders also use 55 or 56 tooth chainrings (with an 11 behind). Note also that Campagnolo (with Cofidis), also offers a cassette with a 10 tooth start, but also a cassette with an 11 tooth start.
Regarding this experiment on the Tour of Guangxi, the UCI recalls that " the 10-tooth sprocket can be mechanically limited before the race by team mechanics"
According to SRAM, it is " of an arbitrary measure, without scientific basis, which hinders innovation, disadvantagestagand its riders and distorts competition, potentially violating European laws (Articles 101 and 102 of the TFEU)”.
Despite attempts at dialogue, the UCI has failed to justify its decision, prompting the American brand to call for an immediate suspension of the restrictions and a reform of the decision-making processes to increase transparency.
