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The UCI will test a new rule in October aimed at limiting gear ratios in competition, in an attempt to reduce the sometimes impressive increase in race speeds, for safety reasons. On the Tour of Guangxi (China, October 14-19, World Tour), riders will be limited to a development of 10.46 m per crank revolution (or 54/11 with 700×28 tires). American equipment manufacturer SRAM has filed a complaint with the Belgian Competition Authority to challenge this gear ratio limitation protocol. The brand only offers its riders cassettes with a smallest cog of 10 teeth.
On September 12, 2025, SRAM filed a complaint with the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) against the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)’s gear ratio limitation protocol. This rule, applied experimentally on the Tour of Guangxi before possibly being definitively adopted for subsequent seasons, excludes the 54/10 combination used by many SRAM-equipped riders.
It should be noted that to cope with increasing race speeds, many Shimano-equipped riders also use 55 or 56 tooth chainrings (with an 11-tooth cog in the rear). It should also be noted that Campagnolo (with Cofidis) also offers a cassette starting with 10 teeth, but also a cassette starting with 11 teeth.
Regarding this experiment on the Tour of Guangxi, the UCI reminds that “the 10-tooth cog can be mechanically limited before the race by team mechanics“.
According to SRAM, this is “an arbitrary measure, without scientific basis, which hinders innovation, disadvantages its riders and distorts competition, potentially violating European laws (articles 101 and 102 of the TFEU)“.
Despite attempts at dialogue, the UCI has not justified its decision, pushing the American brand to demand an immediate suspension of the restrictions and a reform of decision-making processes for greater transparency.
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