Cycling Canada approves disc brakes for all road events across Canada
With the exception of UCI races
Cycling Canada have approved the use of disc brakes in all road events across Canada. The only exception being UCI sanctioned events where disc brakes continue to be undergoing a trial period.
The decision comes into effect immediately after consultation between the Cycling Canada board, stakeholders, organizers and other relevant parties in Canada. Further discussions are underway between Cycling Canada and the UCI with the intention of obtaining an exception for the use of disc brakes for the 2018 Canadian road championships which take place in Kamloops, B.C..
During the trial period at the international level, disc brake standards have not yet been settled on by UCI with road bikes equipped with 160-mm and 140-mm rotors commonly being used at UCI WorldTour events. Cycling Canada say that if the UCI outline specific standards, they will then enforce them eventually. For now, riders are free to choose.
Another caveat of the announcement is that it’s not assured the UCI will approve the use of disc brakes in road cycling events. If after the trial period ends, the UCI decides not to approve the use disc brakes in road events Cycling Canada will have to comply at which point the ruling will be reversed.
For now, Provincial Sports Organization in Canada will have the final decision to approve the use of disc brakes at road events under their jurisdiction. Racers from jurisdictions that are allowed to use disc brakes may still be prohibited from racing disc brakes in jurisdictions that don’t allow their use. Cycling Canada advice checking with race organizers before traveling to events in other jurisdictions. In the U.S., disc brakes are currently allowed in mass-start road events by USA Cycling.
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The trial period for disc brakes at the international level began at the end of 2015. After a brief interruption, the trial period is expected to continue into 2018. Beyond the safety aspect of the technology which has been the most contentious issue between riders and the UCI, deciding on a standard for rotor size has also yet to be resolved.
At the 2017 Tour de France, Mavic neutral support carried wheels equipped with 160-mm rotors. That didn’t stop green jersey winner Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb) and Marcel Kittel (Quickstep Floors) from running 140-mm rotors on their team issue bikes.
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Riders who choose to race on disc equipped bikes may find that getting a spare through neutral support at races may not be guaranteed, especially early on.
