UCI finally cracks down on time-trial 'cheat'

For several years the evidence at pointed towards the very clear difference that existed in terms of aerodynamics when it came to vehicles behind the riders. The UCI has finally banned this grey area which teams have vastly used.

The announcement revealed that a rule has been created stating that in time-trials the vehicles - such as the team cars - must be over 25 meters behind. This is due to the evidence that there are aerodynamical gains in the proximity. The UCI has argued that over 1 kilometers, a car following the rider 5 meters behind at 46.8Km/h leads to a gain of 0.35 seconds. To be put into context, 0.3 seconds separated the European time-trial Championships where Stefan Bissegger beat Stefan Küng.

1 meter behind, a car can lead to a 3.5 second gain per kilometer which is a massive difference. However these gains can be felt up to 25 meters in distance, hence the change of rules now implemented. In the past these rules have been broken without consequences.

"The UCI acknowledges that certain race convoy vehicles (Commissaires, Regulators, TV motorbikes, photographers etc.) are permitted to stay within a closer proximity when carrying out their respective roles," the statement also said, but that it is mandatory to stay out of the slipstream of the rider.