UCI removes restricted gearing for junior riders due to 'limited availability of equipment'

The UCI has decided to remove gearing restrictions for junior races, eliminating rules that limit men and women in the junior divisions to a maximum defined gear ratio. The rule will be effective starting on January 1, 2023.

According to a statement provided by the UCI to national federations, the reason for the removal of junior gears is "the restricted availability of equipment required for junior gearing in addition to medical data that no longer justifies the present constraints. Few commercially available bikes would fit the preceding gearing criteria without modification, which would cost the users additional money”.

UCI regulation was limited to "the highest gear ratio authorized is that which offers a distance traveled each pedal revolution of 7.93 meters". That measurement confined junior riders to gearings like 51/52x14 or 53x15, but 17- and 18-year-olds may now choose 'adult' gearings like 53x11.