UCI makes last minute call to ban INEOS Grenadiers' helmet during UAE Tour

The UCI has officially banned the INEOS Grenadiers' helmet, the Kask Aero Pro Visor. Despite receiving less than 24 hours' notice before the UAE Tour, the ruling did not prevent Joshua Tarling from securing victory in the stage 2 time trial.

Tarling, who claimed the bronze medal in the time trial at the 2023 World Championships, continues to be one of the most exciting prospects against the clock.

The jury communique stated: "The Commissaires Panel informs all Sports Directors that the Equipment Commission of the UCI prohibits the use of the following kinds of visors of the following brand, Kask.

"Therefore, the riders who do not have a different helmet shall take the start without those visors for tomorrow’s stage."

A spokesperson for Kask explained the situation to Cycling Weekly: "We received the communication from the UCI regarding the ban of the KASK Aero Pro Visor and KASK Aero Pro Visor 2.0 less than 24 hours before the time trial at the UAE Tour.

"Despite the very short notice, we took immediate action to comply with this communication, working closely with the race commissioners. We have always supported the UCI and complied with their regulations, and we always will."

INEOS Grenadiers sports director Oli Cookson emphasised the team's adaptability: "We found a good resolution, especially with the chief commissaire here, who’s been incredible working with us.

"We’re always looking to work within the rules and also to push the sport forward, and that will be with our sponsors and materials as well. I think there’s always that balance."

Cookson reflected on the behind-the-scenes efforts: "Let’s just say we were the swan’s legs, and the riders were the swan above the water.

"Everything was managed around that. There’s a lot of good people in the team, and we had options in place."