Among the UCI's objectives, there is that of reducing group speed to improve safety, particularly in races expected to end in a sprint. At first glance, this measure might seem equal for everyone, but in reality, it can be slightly more challenging for teams using SRAM groups, especially for riders often seen in sprints.

From August, the UCI will test this rule by introducing a restriction on the longest gear ratio in specifically chosen races. In these races, cyclists will be allowed to use a gear that provides a maximum thrust of 10.46 meters per pedal stroke. This is determined by wheel diameter and gear size, but since all professional cyclists use wheels of the same size, the measurement is essentially based only on gears.

10.46 meters means that, for Shimano or Campagnolo groups, the maximum allowed ratio is 54x11: an external chainring with 54 teeth at the front and an 11-tooth sprocket as the smallest ratio. No problem, as these are components these two brands already produce. For teams using SRAM, the situation is more complex and problematic. SRAM uses a 10-tooth sprocket as the smallest ratio. This means that to comply with the new rules, the largest chainring allowed to cyclists will be 49 teeth.

However, SRAM does not produce a chainring of those dimensions for its RED AXS group, which all World Teams sponsored by them use. Consequently, they would have to use a 48-tooth front chainring. This would represent a serious disadvantage, because all teams not using SRAM groups would have a heavier ratio less suitable for a sprinter's legs and this could make a significant difference in sprints.

Teams sponsored by SRAM thus seem to be somewhat more penalized by the new UCI gear ratio rules compared to teams using Campagnolo or Shimano. It remains to be seen whether SRAM will propose an alternative. The American manufacturer, for now, has not wanted to comment on the UCI's decisions.

Among the professional teams that will certainly feel the impact of the new rules are Visma - Lease a Bike, Lidl-Trek and SD Worx-ProTime, which have not wanted to make statements, probably because they are already thinking about possible solutions. The problem is real, because just think of fast riders like Mads Pedersen, Jonathan Milan, and Olav Kooij who are among the riders who could be most affected by these new rules. However, it should be noted that this rule will not be applied to all races, but only to those that the UCI will communicate in the coming weeks.