AusCycling wishes to inform all members, clubs, and stakeholders of upcoming changes to UCI Equipment Regulations, effective January 1, 2026, and how they will be implemented within updated AusCycling Technical Regulations.
As the UCI Equipment Regulations have been released ahead of schedule and updated further last week, AusCycling has undertaken proactive steps to inform the membership early regarding the specific regulations outlined further below.
In forming a position, safety, impact on rider participation and accessibility, pathways and high performance were considered. We will review these on an annual basis to ensure continued alignment with these considerations.
This action ensures transparency, allows time for preparation, and supports a smooth transition for all affected disciplines and events.
All approved updates will be published in the 2026 AusCycling Technical Regulations, which are currently scheduled for release in November.
It’s important to note that all events registered on the UCI calendar – including elite, under-23, and under-19 road and cyclo-cross national championships – must fully comply with UCI Equipment Regulations.
AusCycling exemptions apply to all club, state and national events which are not listed on the UCI calendar.
AusCycling will evaluate a proposed amendment to the maximum handlebar width for track racing, reducing it to 350mm by November 1, 2026.
The updated equipment regulations will be applied as follows:
Regulation 1.3.107 – Front forks and rear triangle
Front forks: Maximum internal width between fork legs must not exceed 11.5cm
Rear triangle: Maximum internal width between stays must not exceed 14.5cm
- ✅ AusCycling will fully adhere to this regulation.
These measurements are designed to ensure compatibility with standard wheel dimensions and support consistent equipment standards across all levels of competition.
Regulation 1.3.108 – Wheel rim depth
Maximum rim height: Must not exceed 65mm
- ❌ AusCycling will exempt this regulation for non-UCI national, state and club sanctioned events.
Rationale for exemption: While safety remains a primary consideration in all AusCycling regulatory decisions, this exemption has been made in recognition of the significant financial burden that a mandatory rim change would place on riders, clubs, and event organisers. Many athletes currently use rims exceeding 65mm, and requiring immediate compliance would result in widespread equipment replacement costs.
Safety Advisory: In extreme weather conditions – particularly high winds – riders will be strongly advised not to use deep-section rims where wind interference may pose a safety risk. Event officials will also retain the authority to issue guidance or restrictions based on prevailing conditions to ensure rider safety.
This exemption applies only to non-UCI calendar events. All UCI-registered competitions must comply fully with regulation 1.3.108 - Wheel rim depth.
Regulation 1.3.022 – Handlebars and brake levers
Minimum handlebar width (road and cyclo-cross): 400mm (outside to outside)
- ❌ AusCycling will exempt this section of the regulation for non-UCI national, state and club sanctioned events.
Minimum internal width between brake lever extremities: 280mm
- ❌ AusCycling will exempt this section of the regulation for non-UCI national, state and club sanctioned events.
Rationale for exemption: While AusCycling recognises the intent of these regulations to standardise equipment and enhance rider safety, implementing them nationally would impose significant financial costs on riders and clubs, many of whom would need to replace existing handlebars and components.
These exemptions will be monitored closely over the next 12 months. Any emerging evidence will inform future reviews and any potential updates to the AusCycling Technical Regulations.
With regards to maximum handlebar flare, at present the UCI Equipment Regulations have not been updated to reflect the information published in the UCI media release of September 26. Given this, and the fact that AusCycling is not regulating minimum handlebar width, the flare specification is not currently relevant.
Maximum brake lever inclination: 10 degrees
- ✅ AusCycling will fully adhere to this section of the regulation.
Rationale for implementation: This regulation has already been in place within AusCycling’s technical framework and is supported by manufacturer safety guidance, which indicates that inclinations beyond 10 degrees can place excessive stress on handlebar materials, potentially compromising structural integrity.
Safety requirement: To further support rider control and safety, an additional requirement will be enforced: Riders must maintain a position where they can hold the brake hoods during competition, ensuring proper control of the bicycle at all times.
This measure reinforces AusCycling’s commitment to rider safety and equipment integrity across all events.
Events and corresponding regulations matrix
- AusCycling Elite, Under-23 and Junior (under-19) Road National Championships
- All above UCI Equipment Regulations apply.
- AusCycling Under-17 and Under-15 Road National Championships
- All above UCI Equipment Regulations minus handlebar width and brake lever width apply.
- AusCycling Masters Road National Championships
- All above UCI Equipment Regulations apply minus wheel rim depth, handlebar width and brake lever width.
- AusCycling Elite, Under-23 and Junior (under-19) Cyclo-cross National Championships
- All above UCI Equipment Regulations apply.
- UCI Gran Fondo World Series Qualifier (Qualifier categories only)
- Tour de Brisbane and Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo (from 2026)
- All above UCI Equipment Regulations apply minus wheel rim depth, handlebar width and brake lever width.
For further clarification or technical support, contact [email protected].