With over 2500 amateurs from across the globe qualifying and planning to attend the 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships starting 4 August in Scotland, below are 6 need-to-know rules for every competitor to review so they do not end up with a DSQ (disqualified) or DNS (did not start) result.

1) Puppy Paws and Super-Tuck Riding Positions Now Illegal. Puppy Paws (resting your forearms on the handlebars for aerodynamic gains), as well Super-Tucking (sitting on your top tube, crouching over/on bars or hanging off the saddle) are all illegal. Competitors must only use feet on pedals, hands on handlebars and butt on the saddle as points of contact for body support while racing.

2) Littering. Riders are not allowed to dispose of trash (gels, energy bars, tubes, etc.) or water bottles on the gran fondo, medio fondo or time trial routes unless in a designated litter zone. Any rider observed littering is subject to disqualification.

3) Extremely Narrow Road Handlebars Banned. The rule now reads: “The minimum overall width (outside – outside) of traditional handlebars (road events) and base bars (road and track events) is limited to 350 mm.” Though, road bars that measure 350mm-wide at the bottom of the drops, but flair inwards as they rise to create a narrower profile at the brake hoods are still legal.

4) No Oversized Helmets. Gone are the comically large time trial helmets worn by Tour de France pros (and a few amateurs at the 2022 Gran Fondo Worlds) to try and gain an aero advantage. Helmets must be no longer than 450mm in length, no wider than 300mm and no higher than 210mm from top to bottom.

5) Time Trial Bike Setup Now Index for Rider Height. The UCI now allows adjustments to bar extensions and arm-rest height depending on three rider physiological height ranges (under 180.00mm, 180.00mm – 189.9mm, and above 190.00mm. Bikes without a 1-2-3 UCI Height Range Sticker will be limited to the 180.00mm and under setup. All time trial bikes must be inspected and measured prior to racing. Riders taller than 180.00mm MUST submit a “rider height attestation application form available from the UCI website” and inform the commissaires at the time of inspection in order to make use of a the #2 180-189.9mm or 190mm height exemption.

6) Socks. Believe it or not, the UCI has “Sock Police” and they will keep an eye out for sock dopers, riders wearing socks or overshoes rising above the height defined by half the distance between the middle of the lateral malleolus and the middle of the fibula head. Luckily, socks can be of any color – rather than all-black like back in the day.

Want more? The complete UCI technical and rules guide for 2023 has all the details.

Photos: UCI, file