The UCI recently received notification that USA Cycling was reversing its stance on race radio in National Racing Calendar (NRC) events, but appears able to count on support closer to its base in Switzerland.
In recent days the president of the European Cycling Union (UEC), Wojciech Walkiewicz, has issued notice saying that body was fully behind the UCI in the matter.
“Following the annual General Assemby of European Cycling Union, I would like to refer to speech given by Mr. Pat McQuaid, President of International Cycling Union, and particularly [to] information about ban on using radio during races,” he wrote in a statement.
“Please be informed that UEC supports position of UCI in this matter.”
The UCI has been gradually phasing out the use of race radios in professional events. They were blocked in all 1.2 and 2.2 events in 2010, as well as in the world road race championships. This season, their use is now prohibited in all races bar WorldTour events.
The UCI has said that one major aim is to try to ensure that the riders think for themselves instead of relying on instructions from the team car.
Many teams have protested the changes, saying that removing radio makes races more dangerous as no warning can be given of problems on the route or other such issues. The teams’ union, the AIGCP, has said that it will take unspecified action if the decision is not reversed by May 1st.
While the details have not been communicated as yet by the AIGCP, media reports in recent days said that teams are threatening to boycot the new WorldTour event in China, the Tour of Beijing. It takes place from October 5-9.
The UCI is determined to hold its ground on the issue, though, and so it remains to be seen how things will play out.
Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme is one of those who has proposed a compromise solution. “A racer without radio is more intelligent than one with a radio. The instinct and the sensing of the course come out better that way,” he told rtbf.be.
“If it was up to me, yes, there would be a radio, but only one from the organizers to give safety instructions.”