“In-race communication” test protocol for the 2024 season Decision of the UCI Management Committee – 12 June 2024

Implementation of “In-race communication” Test Protocol

Introduction and description of the context for introducing this Test Protocol

The SafeR Commission seeks to test various safety related initiatives in 2024: The UCI introduces new measures to promote safety at road races | UCI.

The measure of restricting the use of earpieces will be carried out through tests in selected professional oneday races and stage races.

The decision to carry out these tests is based on discussions on the subject within SafeR, which led to the conclusion that earpieces could be both a source of distraction for riders and a physical hazard because the radio units are mounted on their backs. They may also represent a risk when many teams are simultaneously asking their riders to move to the front of the race.

Feedback from all stakeholders will be gathered to study the effects of restrictions on the use of earpieces and to consider other measures related to the use of earpieces that could achieve the desired outcome of improved safety, for example limiting the number of riders per team equipped with earpieces or restricting communications in certain sections of a race.

An overall evaluation will be carried out within SafeR at the end of the season, before being presented to the Professional Cycling Council and then to the UCI Management Committee with a view to a decision on the use of earpieces for future seasons.

In line with the above, the UCI Management Committee approved the implementation of the measures provided for in this Test Protocol according to the terms below.

Explanation of changes to the regulations

This Test Protocol shall apply as a modification, on a trial basis in specific races, to the in-race communication rule (article 2.2.024 of the UCI Regulations), by removing the exception that allows the use of earpieces in events of the following classes: UCI WorldTour, UCI Women’s WorldTour, UCI ProSeries and Class 1 events.

The Test Protocol can be applied according to one of two options:

  1. Removal of earpieces for all riders

  2. A partial removal of earpieces allowing two “team captains” to wear earpieces

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For stage races, it shall be determined for each stage individually if one of the two options apply or not. Therefore, different stages within a stage race can see either no restrictions on the use of earpieces being applied or one of the two options above.

Implementation Protocol

Provision 1 – Scope of application

This Test Protocol is implemented by the UCI as from 1 July 2024. The Test Protocol will be applied to selected races of the International Calendar during the 2024 season.

Without the application of this Test Protocol, the existing regulations apply.

The SafeR Commission will recommend the application of the Test Protocol on selected events. The UCI will then confirm the application of the Test Protocol on events or stages after consultation with the race organiser, considering:

  • The profile of the stages and the format of the event;

  • The level of the teams;

  • The number of riders in the race and the number of riders per team;

The Commissaires’ Panel shall then be responsible for supervision at each selected event.

Provision 2 – Articles amended through the Test Protocol (article updated on 7 August 2024)

Article 2.2.024 is amended to enable the implementation of one of the following two measures:

  1. Removal of earpieces for all riders; or

  2. A partial removal of earpieces allowing two “team captains” to be allowed to wear earpieces o The two “team captains” who are selected by their teams to wear radios must be communicated to the Commissaires Panel

  3. The riders will be identified in the start list for the race/stage and the organiser may provide additional physical identification through a bracelet or special coloured bib number in consultation with the UCI and the Commissaires’ Panel.

  4. The names of the two riders will initially be collected during rider confirmation. Changes are authorised up until one hour before the start of the race/stage and Sport Directors must present themselves to the Commissaires at the rider sign on area and inform them of any changes to their “team captains”.

Provision 3 – Arbitration

The supervision and implementation of this Test Protocol will be conducted by the by the Commissaires’ Panel.

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Provision 4 – The responsibilities of the organiser

  • The event organisers that are selected to apply the Test Protocol shall act as follows:

  • The organiser identifies the stages which are appropriate for the test;

  • The organsier proposes which of the two options of the Test Protocol shall be applied;

  • The organiser adds the following provision in the special regulations of its event:

Article XX – Stages selected for “in-race communication” restrictions

The following stages have been selected to test “in-race communication” restrictions:

  • Stage XX / (riders are not authorised to use earpieces)

  • Stage XX / (two riders per team are authorised to use earpieces)

Provision 5 – Partial removal procedure to declare two “team captains”

The Commissaires’ Panel will collect the names of the riders who the team has selected to

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Appendix 1

In-race communications

  • 2.2.024

  • The use of radio links or other remote means of communication by or with the riders, as well as the possession of any equipment that can be used in this

manner, during an event is prohibited except in the following cases:

  • A. Men Elite: UCI WorldTour, UCI ProSeries and class 1 events;

  • B. Women Elite: UCI Women’s WorldTour, UCI ProSeries and class 1 events;

  • C. time trial events.

In the cases above, a secure communications and information system (the «earpiece») is authorised and may be used for safety reasons and to assist riders under the following conditions:

  • the power of the transceiver may not exceed 5 watts;

  • the range of the system shall be limited to the space occupied by the race;

  • its use is limited to exchanges between riders and the sports director and between riders of a same team.

The use of such a system is subject to any relevant legal provisions and to thoughtful and reasonable use with respect for ethics and the rider’s freedom of decision.

  1. In addition with the sanctions provided in article 2.12.007, the disciplinary commission may impose the following sanctions:

  2. riders: fine of CHF 100 to 10,000;

  3. team: fine of CHF 1,000 to 100,000;

An infringement committed by a rider leads to the irrefutable presumption of an infringement committed by the rider’s team.

The sanctions imposed on a rider and the sanctions imposed on his or her team are cumulative.

An infringement is committed as soon as a rider or team appears at an event in possession of the equipment prohibited by this Article. If the prohibited equipment is removed before the start of the event, the rider or team may start and only the fine may apply. If a further infringement is committed during the same event, sanctions provided in article 2.12.007 apply and a further fine of up to CHF 20,000 for a rider and CHF 200,000 for a team may be applied by the disciplinary commission.

Articles 1.2.130 and 1.2.131 still apply.

(text modified on 1.01.02; 1.01.05; 1.01.08; 1.01.09; 1.01.10; 1.10.10; 1.02.11; 1.01.13; 1.01.16; 3.06.16; 1.07.18; 1.01.19; 23.10.19).

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