March 23/11 6:38 am - USA Cycling Reverses Decision to Allow Radios in Domestic Events

Posted by Editor on 03/23/11
 

From USA Cycling:

Based on concerns raised by cycling's international federation, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), USA Cycling has reversed its earlier decision and will continue the ban on the use of race radios in all national-level competition; including USA Cycling's National Racing Calendar (NRC) and national championship events.

"After consultation with the UCI, it is apparent that allowing race radios in domestic NRC races would negatively impact the UCI registered teams and riders who would no longer be allowed to compete in these events," explained Bill Peterson, president of the USA Cycling board of directors and USPRO board member. "The absence of UCI registered teams and riders would have a highly detrimental impact, not only on the team sponsors, but also on the hard working NRC promoters and the sponsors and communities who support these races." *

"While we remain convinced of the value of race radios with regard to their potential for increased safety for riders and spectators," said Steve Johnson, USA Cycling CEO, "we will respect the UCI's request to continue the ban of race radios in national calendar races and national championships."


* Note:  Division 1 (ProTeam) and Division 2 (Pro Continental) teams are not allowed to compete in non-UCI (or lowest sanctioned UCI) events anyway, so this reasoning is incorrect.  There is talk that a significant amount of pressure has been put on USA Cycling by the UCI to reverse their decision.