Even though according to the new UCI rule it is forbidden for riders to use the sidewalks, pavements or cycle paths not being the part of the course, the successful breakaway at Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne saw the cyclists using the footpaths in favour of cobbles, what pushed Marcel Sieberg of Lotto-Belisol to put the implementation of the law under the question.

The Rule 1.2.064 was first reported on in November last year following the UCI Management meeting and Florence, and came in to effect on January 1, 2014, stating as follows:

"It is strictly prohibited to use sidewalks/pavements, paths or cycle paths alongside the roadway that do not form part of the course. Non-respect of this requirement is sanctioned an accordance with Article 12.1.040.14bis, without prejudice to any other sanctions that may apply."

The main objective while applying the new rule was to stop riders from taking short cuts to gain an unfair advantage on their rivals as well as reducing the risk or crashes involving the road furniture and spectators.

According to Sieberg, the breakaway ignoring the rule and using footpaths in favour of cobbles gained an unfair advantage and prevented the peloton from reducing the time gap, what he expressed on his twitter account right after the race come to its conclusion.  

“For what we have new rules??? Front group all on the asphalt *bike path* Peloton all on the cobbles,” and a photo of the break which contained several Omega Pharma and Belkin riders on a footpath.

"And now we know why we lost 30sec just on this point. Come on guys....everyone or no one."

It remains unclear whether the riders ignoring the rule at Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kurne will be punished and how strictly the new law will be enforced for the reminder of cobbled classics season.