UCI defend late Paris-Roubaix tyre system ban after Visma criticism over “level playing field”
Cycling
The UCI have responded to criticism from Team Visma | Lease a Bike over their late decision to ban adjustable tyre pressure systems ahead of Paris-Roubaix, defending the move as necessary to protect a “level playing field” within the peloton.
The ruling, which removes Visma’s Gravaa system from use just days before the race, had already drawn a sharp reaction from within the team. Head of Performance Mathieu Heijboer questioned both the timing and the explanation, describing it as “a vague story” and pointing to the lack of any prior intervention. “There was also no prior warning. In fact, we still used it at GP Denain.”
At the centre of the dispute is a system designed specifically for the demands of Paris-Roubaix, allowing riders to adjust tyre pressure mid-race to balance grip on the cobbles with speed on the road.
In a Monument where equipment choices can shape the outcome as much as physical strength, its removal is not a marginal detail.
UCI defend decision on fairness grounds
In a response provided to Domestique, the UCI set out its reasoning, pointing to the principle that performance-enhancing technology must be accessible across the peloton. The governing body argued that with only one team currently using the system, it represented a “significant advantage”, particularly in a race like Paris-Roubaix where technical factors can be decisive.
The UCI also pointed to the status of Gravaa, the company behind the system, which filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. Following several weeks of analysis, it was concluded that the product could no longer be considered commercially available under its regulations, a requirement for use in competition.
On that basis, teams, manufacturers and the AIGCP were informed on 25 March that the system would not be authorised for use for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Frustration remains over timing and interpretation
That explanation provides clarity on the governing body’s position, but does not address the concerns already raised within Visma over how and when the decision was made.
Beyond the technical argument, the timing has been central to the team’s reaction, coming just days before one of the most equipment-sensitive races on the calendar. That context fed into a pointed remark from Heijboer, who suggested: “That is, of course, no coincidence.”
There is also no suggestion that the team will take risks in defiance of the ruling. “That’s a risk we are obviously not going to take,” he said, with penalties ranging up to disqualification. But the impact is still clear. Asked directly whether it affects Wout van Aert’s chances, Heijboer’s response was brief: “Yes.”
A debate that will not end on the cobbles
The UCI may now have publicly defended its decision, but the disagreement it has triggered is unlikely to end with Paris-Roubaix itself.
At its core sits a question that extends beyond a single race: how to define accessibility in a sport where technological development continues to accelerate. For the UCI, the line is drawn at availability across the peloton. For Visma, the interpretation remains open to challenge.
With that gap now clearly exposed, what began as a late pre-Roubaix ruling is already shaping into a broader debate over how cycling balances innovation against fairness.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
claps 1visitors 1
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- I think other competitors also had great Tours, so it wasn't that Ferrand-Prévot necessarily failed in some way - it's more likely that the other top riders lifted their game and maybe also a bit of luck with no crashes, etc. It's the Tour de France after all. It's not meant to be easy to defend your title (the few exceptions like Pogacar prove the rule).Pogboom01-11-2026
- maybe we should put our cv at the end of each comment post ... same rights for all of us!Ketterechts01-11-2026
- hahah literally all it is. Glad im not the only one noticing, essentially this is just a blog as it is now. Run buy boys from their bedroom hehe Their very subjective aswell, people on twitter even said their pure visma fanboys, if you listen to Ruben silva guy pre TDF this year all he said turned out to be wrong and constantly fail to realize visma isnt where they was before roster wice or means to contest even RBH or Lidl anymore, ,very biased ppl and when you run ''news articles that way its problematic..miguel01-11-2026
- The new joke of the year in 2027: "If both guys (Pogi and Seixas) finish upright on their bikes and both don't get sick for some reason, I think Paul will fight Tadej to the end and will possibly beat him in 2027 at the Tour, yes, I just said that." ... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ...PogiSloFans01-11-2026
- Cutting his suit up and getting him to sign it while quite seriously injured is absolutely ghoulishwrsty01-11-2026
- 24 years old?Ketterechts01-11-2026
- Hey @frieder3, yeah sure, bull crap. What experience? You have no eyperience, you're an amateur cyclist... and to make things even worse, you're a lousy amateur cyclist. So what you're saying about your C7 has no relevance... do you even know where C7 is in your body? No, it's not in your knee!!! PS: Trump loves ya... 😍😍😍PogiSloFans01-11-2026
- He won't have a neck problem until he's older and arthritis kicks in lil guy !frieders301-11-2026
- Yep I find any way possible to not have other listen to Bob and VandeVelde commenting on a bike race. His annoying wrong predictions and irritating chuckle are mute worthy!frieders301-11-2026
- 20 winners for 3rd year in a row!Lozza31-10-2026
Loading
Write a comment