The International Cycling Union (UCI) has announced the first manufacturers to have successfully applied for its frame and fork “Approval Programme”, meaning that frames will soon be available bearing the “UCI Approved” label. The programme requires that manufacturers submit designs, and then prototypes, to the UCI to ensure that products meet with regulations.
“We appreciate that manufacturers on a whole have welcomed this new approval procedure,” said Julien Carron, the UCI’s Technology Coordinator. “In January a meeting was organised at the UCI headquarters to enable manufacturers to actively contribute to the structure of the procedure. The UCI now continuously receives requests for approval from manufacturers, which clearly shows that the approval procedure is well accepted.”
The programme has been highly contentious with many manufacturers complaining that the high proposed cost of the process would be too high for smaller producers; it was also claimed that the cost would have to be passed on to consumers, thus putting up the price of bicycles.
The UCI denied that the programme was a moneymaking exercise for the governing body, but it then slashed the price for the three different types of frame.
So far BMC, Cannondale, Corima, Felt, Pinarello, Richard Sachs, Scott and Wilier Triestina have all received approval for one or more of their products.
“Felt is very proud to be among the first bicycle makers to receive the new UCI race-approved label,” said Bill Duehring, President of Felt Bicycles. “As a performance-oriented company fully committed to the competition side of cycling, we totally support this new clear and streamlined process.
“It takes any subjectivity out of what is UCI-legal and what isn’t, something we are 100% in favour of,” he added. “Given the modern day complexity, lead times and costs associated with building advanced design bicycles we are quite happy to see the UCI embrace manufacturers as they have.”
As of February 9th, the following 2011 frames will carry the “UCI Approved” decal:
Cannondale Super Six Evo
Pinarello FCM777
Corima VIF
Felt DA
Richard Sachs Signature