USA Cycling Bans Race Radios in the U.S. - Cycling News

Cycling News

USA Cycling Bans Race Radios in the U.S.

By Thomas A. Valentinsen
Feb 2, 2010 - 3:44:37 PM

USA Cycling earlier today announced that in response to a request from the UCI (The International Cycling Union) that radios be banned in all national calendar races, the USCF Board of Trustees have met and decided to amend the rule regarding the use of race radios in all USA Cycling sanctioned road and track races. Radios will now be banned in all USA Cycling road and track races.

In 2010, race radios will only be allowed for use by teams and riders in UCI Category HC or Category 1 races in the U.S. per UCI regulations.

According to USA Cycling rule 1N6 (Pg. 57), which takes effect immediately, now reads

"Riders may not use radios, telephones, or other such communication devices. No earpieces may be worn. Audio playback devices are expressly forbidden."

"I would like to thank the USCF Trustees for moving quickly in response to the request we received from the UCI, Steve Johnson, CEO of USA Cycling commented.

Johnson added "Although I think the jury is still out regarding the future of radios in our sport, given the current direction being set by the UCI indicating their intent to phase out radio usage across the board, we all agreed that it was important to make this adjustment now rather than later in the season."