The new rule (1.2.064 bis) states that: “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 new rule change was included in a number of minor changes to the existing rule set during the UCI Management meeting in Florence during the WC.

The idea behind the new rule is to ensure riders’ safety by prohibiting short cuts, and thereby reducing unfair advantages and the risk of crashes. Numerous accidents have for instance occurred while riders tried to gain the upper hand by going off course, behind spectators, or jumping onto roundabouts.

Punishments could be disqualification, and fines (200 Swiss franc for category 1.1 and 2.1 races, and 100 franc in smaller events).

A pre-dominant side effect (and likely a deliberate move by the UCI) will be that riders are forced to stay on the pavés, during classics such as the Paris-Roubaix. The question is whether riders’ safety will actually be ensured (more), or if the rule just creates exciting action on the pavés (and as a consequence more injuries too).

The early Belgian race Omloop Het Nieuwablad constitutes the rule’s first testing grounds, and it will be interesting to see the reaction of the peloton.

Additional rule changes increase the percentual (from 50% to 65%) limit of UCI ProTeams that are allowed to participate in HC category races in Africa, America, Asia and Oceania Tours. This rule set change will no doubt see fewer local teams in the larger HC events (e.g. the Amgen Tour of California, the USA Pro Challenge, the Tour of Qatar and the Tour of Oman.