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During road cycling competitions, like the World Championship Team Time Trial Mixed Relay, teams ride in matching colours. But are the teams required to use the same gear? Who is responsible for defining the dress and technical codes for events? Between sponsors and the UCI, do the riders have a say? Ekoï answers your questions.
UCI-Approved Gear
The equipment used by both professional and amateur riders must meet the constraints imposed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). Indeed, it’s the UCI that sets the rules! As the governing body of cycling worldwide, the UCI drafts the regulations for various disciplines, including road cycling. All teams have no choice but to comply with them to participate in competitions.
The UCI specifies, among other things, a number of requirements concerning:
- bike equipment (geometry, tube shapes and dimensions, aero bars, fairings, wheels, etc.);
- clothing;
- onboard technology;
- new innovations.
Each rider must ensure their gear complies with the technical regulations. A clarification guide on the technical regulations, available on the UCI website and regularly updated, provides insights on certain points. For instance, teams are prohibited from riding bikes weighing less than 6.8 kg (excluding removable accessories like water bottles and bike computers). Of course, wearing a helmet is mandatory!
The list of approved frame kits provides official information on elements like the frame, fork, seat post, and components between the head tube and the stem. Additionally, bike wheels must be certified by the equipment unit experts according to the wheel approval protocol set by the UCI.
Any technical innovation or equipment modification must be approved by the UCI before it can be used in competition, under penalty of sanctions. In 2020, the EF Pro Cycling team was fined for not adhering to the dress code during protocol obligations, due to wearing an unconventional jersey.
Furthermore, professional cycling gear must be available to the general public. That’s why you can ride the same bike or wear the same jersey as your favourite cyclist!
Team Sponsor Colours
In road cycling, clothing is used as advertising space. Thus, each team is sponsored by several companies that provide the athletes with the necessary kit: jersey, bib shorts, helmet, glasses, accessories. Brand teams partner with specific equipment suppliers for their bikes. Cyclists from the same team therefore race with the same gear!
For example, Ekoï is currently a partner of the following road teams: Lotto Soudal, Cofidis, Arkea Samsic, Euskaltel Euskadi, Qhubeka NextHash, St Michel Auber93, and Nippo Provence PTS Conti.
For international competitions where cyclists represent their nation, national teams wear special attire in their country’s colours.
Riders' Preferences
Although cycling teams use similar gear from their sponsors, riders have some leeway. Indeed, the sports directors take into account their individual preferences.
For their setup, they have several options regarding the choice of frame, wheelset, saddle, handlebars, and even gearing. Adjustments can also be made to the sleeve length of the jersey, collar cut, and chamois in the bib shorts.
