UCI defends Visma tyre pressure ban ahead of Paris-Roubaix, Gravaa disputes assessment

The governing body responded after Mathieu Heijboer, Head of Performance at Team Visma | Lease a Bike, voiced frustration over both the timing and reasoning behind the ruling, which prevents the team from using its Gravaa system during the race.

According to the UCI, the decision was rooted in a core principle of its equipment regulations: limiting technological advantages that are not accessible to the entire peloton.

In its explanation, provided to Domestique, the UCI pointed out that only one team currently had access to the system, creating what it described as a “significant advantage”, particularly in a race like Paris-Roubaix where equipment can play a decisive role.

Heijboer acknowledged that this was also the reasoning communicated to the team by the UCI, but questioned that interpretation in the In de Waaier podcast, insisting the system remains accessible.

“You can order one if you want,” he said. “There is no rule that says a tyre has to be available two weeks or two months beforehand. The moment of use is the race, and if it is commercially available then, you meet the rules.”

The governing body also emphasised that it has a responsibility to ensure a level playing field, especially when innovations have a direct impact on performance.

A key factor in the ruling was the situation surrounding Gravaa, the company behind the system. Following its bankruptcy earlier this year, the UCI said it had conducted several weeks of analysis before concluding that the product could no longer be considered commercially available.

Under UCI regulations, equipment used in competition must be accessible to any team wishing to use it. With that condition no longer clearly met, the governing body ruled the system non compliant.

However, Gravaa disputes that assessment. Founder Gertjan van Ginderen told Domestique that the system has been available on the market - and still is - for worldwide shipping within the timelines set out by the UCI.

“Our system meets the UCI requirements,” Van Ginderen said. “We can invoice within 30 days and deliver within 90 days.”

He also pointed to a notable detail regarding the governing body itself. “The UCI recently placed an order with us. The invoice was sent today, and the product will be delivered next week after payment, within the required timeframes.”

Teams, manufacturers and the AIGCP were informed of the decision on 25 March, with the UCI confirming that the technology would not be authorised for use for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Heijboer confirmed that Team Visma | Lease a Bike intend to appeal the decision. “We’ve chosen not to use it at Paris-Roubaix,” he said. “But we will challenge this ruling later.”