UCI to Fund Legal Battle with SRAM Using Safety Project Funds
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is facing criticism for its decision to utilize funds earmarked for cyclist safety to finance its legal defense against SRAM, a leading component manufacturer. This move creates a conflict of interest, as teams sponsored by SRAM may inadvertently be contributing to litigation against their own benefactor.
The Dispute: Gear Ratio Limits and Rider Safety
The core of the dispute centers on the UCI’s attempt to implement a Maximum Gear Ratio Standard, intended to enhance rider safety by limiting the speeds achievable by riders. The UCI initially planned to test this standard at the 2025 Tour of Guangxi WorldTour race in China, believing that restricting gear size could reduce crashes [1].
SRAM challenged the rule, filing an antitrust complaint with the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA). The BCA ruled in favor of SRAM, finding that the UCI’s standard lacked objectivity and transparency and negatively impacted the company [2]. The UCI has announced its intention to appeal this decision.
Funding the Appeal: Diverting Safety Funds
UCI President David Lappartient requested financial support from stakeholders within the SafeR project to cover the costs of the appeal during a recent meeting of the SafeR Supervisory Board [1]. SafeR is dedicated to improving safety in men’s and women’s road cycling and is funded through contributions from rider prize money, teams, race organizers and the UCI itself.
The UCI has reportedly allocated €300,000 (approximately $325,000 USD as of February 20, 2026) from the SafeR budget for its legal battle with SRAM and the Belgian Competition Authority [2]. The impact of this allocation on other planned SafeR initiatives remains unclear.
Stakeholder Reactions and Internal Divisions
The decision to fund the legal battle with SafeR funds has sparked controversy. A manager of a WorldTour team with a sponsorship agreement with SRAM expressed concern, stating, “They’re using funds from the teams to go against the team’s sponsor” [1].
The International Association of Professional Cycling Teams (AIGCP) voted against the proposal. However, the Association of Professional Riders (CPA) and the International Association of Race Organisers (AIOCC) voted with the UCI, ensuring the decision was passed [1].
Following the vote, Lappartient proposed that the UCI take over management of SafeR, reducing the influence of other stakeholders [1]. This proposal will be discussed at the next UCI Management Committee meeting in the summer.
Background of the Gear Ratio Dispute
The UCI’s proposed Maximum Gear Ratio Standard limits the maximum gear ratio to a distance covered per pedal revolution of 10.46 meters, equivalent to a 54×11 gear combination when using 28mm tires [3]. This rule would impact teams using SRAM cassettes, which are designed around a 10-tooth smallest sprocket, and riders who prefer a 54-tooth chainring.
SRAM argued that the regulations “hinder innovation, limit rider choice, and unfairly disadvantage SRAM riders and SRAM” [3]. The company claimed the rules disparaged SRAM in the road drivetrain market.
The UCI withdrew the test in China but expressed surprise at the intervention of the Belgian Competition Authority, questioning its international authority [1].
Several teams, including Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, Movistar, and Visma-Lease a Bike, used SRAM components in 2025 and were considered interested parties in the BCA verdict [1].