In light of discussions about the fuzzy 2007 future of bike rules I asked USA Triathlon the direct question. Here’s their very clear answer…
Tom,
USAT Competitive Rules have always allowed for the type of innovation your company’s products represent. We have no intention of changing that. Currently, and as far as I know in the future, only ITU style events disallow any but standard double-diamond frame bikes. So, where there are ITU style events in the US, those restrictions apply. For all our USAT rules age group and pro races, there will be no changes and your products will continue to be legal for competition.
Sincerely,
Charlie Crawford
USAT Commissioner of Officials
…granted, this is USA Triathlon, not the USCF. Nevertheless, I don’t think age-group triathletes have anything to worry about–come 2007 or beyond.
Cool, seems real dumb that any group has rules that outlaws beam bikes. If there was a safety issue, I could understand, but why stop folks from using the fastest technology that is safe. Guess they should outlaw aerobars since they make one faster and are not as safe. And as the general population ages, more folks may find beam bikes are the only way they can still enjoy the sport.
Just for clarification, for those of us who race bikes:
USCF racing, will follow UCI rules/restrictions starting Jan 1 2007
Frames such as Softride, TitanFlex, Hooker, BP stealth will be illegal for use, as will forks such as the Reynolds ouzo Pro Aero and disc wheel covers like CH aero.
I remember watching the olympics are few years ago as hearing all the fighing in speed skating. Some countries were using clap skates and other countries why crying foul since the clap skaters were faster.
I sure would rather see a sport where they support innovation, rather than keep people on a horse and buggy.
I think that there are some equipment rules that make sense, to level the playing field, however I don’t think that we can complain too much, we have bikes like the P3 Carbon that are legal, and probably as aero as the old Hooker TT frame.
I thought that USACycling has decided not to go along with UCI regs, except for particular races. From the rulebook:
(e) Bicycles must meet current UCI technical regulations at
events that select 17-18, U23 and elite riders for international
competition or national teams.
(e) Bicycles must meet current UCI technical regulations at
events that select 17-18, U23 and elite riders for international
competition or national teams.
That is the current rule. USCF still intends to use UCI equipment regulations for all races starting in 2007, but they dropped that language from the 2005 rulebook. It was in the 2004 version.
Hello, This issues comes up frequently. For UCI the main reasons for adopting the new rules were safety, and economics. Its tough for $50K territory. As much as everyone likes to say its the engine its not. The standard bike hour record was about 49 Km. The unlimited bike record was 56km. So the UCI decided to somewhat stop the arms race, basically to prevent the F1 car race scenario were a few teams can spend the rest into also ran status. We can argue that the details of th rules are silly but having rules defining what an acceptable bike is makes sense.
There is no change to the original change to UCI rules. 1/1/07 is the date. There is some confusion, however there have been no changes from the original decision.
It pleases me no end to have an opportunity to make a bunch of folks happy, so…
We have no intention nor has it even been discussed to alter our bicycle design rules. From the beginning, USA Triathlon has promoted innovation by having rules that are restrictive in nature. Though that may sound contradictory, it means that we have expressed what is illegal. Our rules state what cannot be done. If a new design fits within our guidelines, then it is legal. That has allowed such innovations as beam bikes, aero-bars, aero-drink systems, to mention just a few. What our rules do not allow are recumbent bicycles, fairings and front disk wheels.
There is no change to the original change to UCI rules. 1/1/07 is the date. There is some confusion, however there have been no changes from the original decision.
I can ask USAC directly for clarification.
I have asked USAC directly…three times. I have received several different answers. In the first reply they stated USAC still intended to follow UCI rules as of 1/1/2007. I replied asking why that plan was no longer mentioned in the 2005 rulebook. I received a reply from a different USAC representative stating that the new rules would only apply to the subgroups mentioned in a previous post (national team, U23 riders). I sent another follow up asking if the rule change would apply at masters national championship events. This time a third USAC representative (all sent from the same, official USAC email address…) stated that as the new rules would apply to all USAC events, and all classes, it would certainly apply to national championships.
My take on it is that USAC has no idea what they are going to do on 1/1/2007. I’ve given up trying to get an answer, as it seems each new attempt generates a new one!
I’m hoping they clarify the issue in the 2006 rulebook.
“For UCI the main reasons for adopting the new rules were safety, and economics.”
This is pathetically laughable. And I’m not saying that as a slam agaist you at all, rather at the UCI. Economics? Come on. Look at the prices of the Softride bikes. They’re actually MUCH lower than any of the bikes you see in the Tour.