After the dangerous situation in Paris-Roubaix where a large part of the peloton passed a closed level-crossing while the red lights were flashing and the barriers were beginning to close, the UCI rules have been revised.

The UCI rule 2.3.034 now states that: “It shall be strictly forbidden to cross level crossings when the barrier is down or closing, the warning signal ringing or flashing.

“Apart from risking the penalty for such an offence as provided by law, offending riders shall be eliminated from the competition by the commissaires.”

"When the barrier is down or closing, the warning signal ringing or flashing," has been added to the rule.

In addition, UCI rule 2.3.035 states additional applications:

1. One or more riders who have broken away from the field are held up at a level crossing but the gates open before the field catches up. No action shall be taken and the closed level crossing shall be considered a mere race incident;

2. One or more riders with more than 30 seconds' lead on the field are held up at a level crossing and the rest of the field catches up while the gates are still closed. In this case the race shall be neutralised and restarted with the same gaps, once the official vehicles preceding the race have passed; If the lead is less than 30 seconds, the closed level crossing shall be considered a mere race incident;

3. If one or more leading riders make it over the crossing before the gates shut and the remainder of the riders are held up, no action shall be taken and the closed level crossing shall be considered a race incident;

4. If a group of riders is split into two groups following the closure of a level crossing, the first group will be slowed down or stopped in order to allow the delayed riders to return to the first group;

5. Any other situation (prolonged closure of the barrier, etc.) shall be resolved by the commissaires.

Another notable change in the rules relates to the accomodation for teams during races. Last season Sky wanted to use mobilehomes during stage races but the UCI stopted the plans. The new rule 2.2.10 has now been put into place and means that teams have to use the hotels provided by the organizers.

As confirmed earlier, race radios are again allowed at .HC and .1 level races.