Disc brakes will debut in professional road cycling this year after the UCI announced its intention to start testing with a view to introducing discs on a permanent basis from 2017.

Though widely used in mountain biking and cyclo-cross, and indeed appearing on an increasing number of sportive-focused road bikes, disc brakes are still not permitted for use in professional road racing.

That could soon change, however, with teams offered the opportunity to use disc brakes at two events of their choice in August and September this year, before testing at all events in 2016. If the test proves successful then disc brakes will be officially introduced to the UCI WorldTour in 2017, with the UCI aiming to eventually introduce disc to all levels of road cycling.

“This step is part of the UCI’s desire to encourage innovation in order to ensure cycling is even more attractive for spectators, riders, bike users and broadcasters,” said UCI president Brian Cookson

“Although disc brakes have been used for around a decade in mountain biking and for the last two years in cyclo-cross, their introduction to road cycling must be carefully studied in collaboration with all those who are directly concerned. That includes riders, teams and manufacturers.”

World Federation of Sporting Goods Industries secretary general Robbert de Kock added: “The industry is delighted by this news and also thanks the UCI for the very positive collaboration.

“This decision will further develop innovation and create new possibilities for the bicycle industry as well as additional performance for the riders.

“There is still some fine tuning to do on detailed requirements for the procedure, but it is very exciting to finally have reached this decision.”

“The remaining open topics such as neutral race support or the UCI and Teams protocol will be tackled soon.”