"Our concern lies in how and when the UCI applies the rule" - Mountain Bike riders revolt after controversial late rule change ahead of World Championships

Despite having a distinct lack of Mountain Bike races in their legs during 2023, Mathieu van der Poel, Tom Pidcock and Peter Sagan have been boosted by a controversial late UCI rule change that ensures they won't start at the back of the pack.

Whilst this rule change does indeed benefit the three stars of the road, it's not gone down well with the riders who race Mountain Bike throughout the year. "It's fantastic to have big names from other disciplines in our sport. But we are absolutely not happy with how the UCI is treating our sport by changing the rules at the last minute," begins a statement made by the UCI Cross Country representation.

“Whether the rule is just is another matter and subject for another time. Our concern lies in how and when the UCI applies the rule," the statement continues, referencing the lateness of the rule change, coming on the eve of the World Championship race. "The rule may have consequences for the Olympic starting places of the various riders and countries. It is not only about the battle for the world title, but also about the Olympic starting places."

"It is obvious that the UCI is contradicting itself in applying the rule. A day before the start of the World Championship is not the time to selectively look at the rules. We hereby express our deep disappointment and frustration with the situation created by the UCI," it concludes, citing signatures if various top riders including Nino Schurter.