‘We received no announcement that this was coming’ – Visma-Lease a Bike left furious after UCI bans tyre pressure system just before Paris-Roubaix

The UCI has, with characteristic timing, banned the RockShox TyreWiz pressure adjustment system, effective immediately and just days before Paris-Roubaix. Visma-Lease a Bike, who had planned to use the system for their riders, including Wout van Aert, expressed significant frustration, claiming they received no prior announcement. This last-minute ruling leaves teams scrambling to adapt their equipment strategies for Sunday's brutal cobbled classic, forcing riders to contend with fixed tyre pressures.

This decision carries significant weight given the unique demands of Paris-Roubaix, where optimal tyre pressure is paramount for both performance and puncture prevention across the pavé. Visma-Lease a Bike had invested in and tested this technology, which allows for on-the-fly pressure adjustments – a clear advantage on a course that transitions from smooth roads to bone-jarring cobbles. The UCI's explanation cited safety concerns and a lack of prior approval, echoing past controversies over technological innovation in the peloton.

Once again, the UCI demonstrates its impeccable knack for introducing regulatory uncertainty precisely when it causes maximum disruption. One can only admire their consistency.