And now the UCI have confirmed the news in a statement, which read: “The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) today announces that it has decided to suspend, with immediate effect, the trial of disc brakes currently being carried out in road races.
“This decision follows a request to do so made by the Association Internationale des Groupes Cyclistes Professionnels (AIGCP) – which represents all professional cycling teams – following the injuries suffered by Movistar Team rider Francisco Ventoso at Sunday’s Paris-Roubaix Classic. This request is supported by the Cyclistes Professionnels Associés (CPA), which represents riders.”
Laura Mora, press officer for the CPA, told Procycling.no: “We don’t want to stop the progress but we want to find common solutions for the introduction of new technologies without risks for the riders and definitely with their involvement.”
The UCI statement confirmed consultations regarding disc brakes will continue, but with rider safety remaining of paramount importance.
It concluded: “The UCI will now continue its extensive consultations on this subject by way of its Equipment Commission, which is made up of representatives of teams, riders, mechanics, fans, commissaires and the bicycle industry – via the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) –all the while reaffirming that rider security has always been and will always remain its absolute priority.”
– Fran Ventoso slams use of disc brakes in pro peloton after gruesome Paris-Roubaix injury –
Ventoso had written in his statement: “Was there really anyone who thought things like Sunday’s [incident] wouldn’t happen? Really nobody thought they were dangerous? Nobody realised [disc brakes] can cut, they can become giant knives?”
The Spaniard received plenty of support from other pro riders too, with team-mate Rory Sutherland adding on Twitter, “How many riders wanted discs? Nearly none!”
Another of Ventoso’s team-mates, British time trial champion Alex Dowsett, called the decision to suspend the use of disc brakes “good news”.
