The International Cycling Union (UCI) on Thursday released its first set of comprehensive guidelines relating to the use of smooth rims and tubeless tires in road cycling, aiming to ensure cyclists’ safety in the short, medium and long term.
The sport’s governing body hired a specialist safety group, known as SafeR, to suggest improvements and guidelines that could be incorporated into the rulebook.
At the same time, the UCI asked cyclists and teams to report any incidents involving hookless rims, reinforcing the importance of compliance with standards established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Safety Concerns Lead to Update of Guidelines
This initiative was prompted by growing concerns in road cycling regarding cyclist safety and the use of hookless rims and tubeless tires. Two accidents occurred this year causing the UCI to take a stand, highlighting the need for preventative measures.
Thomas de Gendt suffered a high-speed crash due to a tire burst following an impact with the rim, while another cyclist from the Lotto Dstny team was caught carrying his bike on Strade Bianche with the front tire completely detached from the rim.
UCI Strengthens Compliance with ISO Standards
In the statement, the UCI highlighted the importance of compliance with ISO standards, which establish guidelines for rim width, tire width and tire pressure in hookless configurations.
The UCI noted that failure to comply with these standards may have contributed to some of the reported incidents. The UCI also recognized that compliance with ISO standards is complicated by divergent recommendations provided by the European Tire and Wheel Technical Organization (ETRTO).
Changes will happen before 2025
The UCI has engaged the SafeR group to investigate the issue of hookless rims and provide clarity around the guidelines, with the aim of including them in the official UCI regulations in the medium term. The group will consult teams, riders and manufacturers and present its findings and recommendations ahead of the 2025 season, aiming to continually improve cyclist safety.
