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ARTICLE · 29 OCTOBER 2025

In Suspense: Belgian Competition Authority Imposes Interim Measures On Cycling Standard

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The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has suspended a technical standard of the International Cycling Union (UCI) under antitrust rules.

BelgiumAntitrust/Competition Law
Eliana Paredis
Eliana Paredis
Joris Gruyters
Joris Gruyters
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The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has suspended a technical standard of the International Cycling Union (UCI) under antitrust rules. The decision shows that interim measures continue to be an effective enforcement tool in Belgium and that private applicants can play an important role in antitrust enforcement.

The standard at stake

On June 12, 2025, the UCI announced the adoption of a new technical standard that limited the maximum gear ratio permitted in professional road cycling events.

SRAM, a U.S.-based bicycle components manufacturer, is one of two main suppliers of transmission systems for road bikes used by professional cyclists. However, its current products did not meet the requirements of the UCI's new standard. As a result, teams using SRAM equipment are at a disadvantage compared to teams using competing systems that conform to the required standard.

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