It seems the UCI has a problem with innovation and creativity, especially when it comes to socks.

First it was the height of socks (they kind worn on your feet) that caught their attention in 2019, resulting in new “Anti-Sock Doping” rules. Now the world cycling governing body has set their sites on banning more socks, specifically head socks (aka balaclavas) integrated under aerodynamic time trial helmets.

In recent years teams and riders, especially in time trials where every millisecond counts, have been using increasingly innovative headware and helmets in their quest for aerodynamic advantage, but always following current UCI requirements as ridiculous as they may be.

One helmet, Specialized’s T55 model, which was approved by the UCI two years ago, features a built-in balaclava commonly known as a ‘head sock’ to make the rider’s face more aerodynamic, especially around ears and over hair, by achieving a cleaner flow inside the helmet.

Now the UCI has banned the T55 and all head socks after claiming they are non-essential, simply saying “After conducting a thorough [review] process, it was concluded that the head sock is a non-essential component” and “…the head sock integrated into the TT5 helmet will no longer be permitted for use at events on the UCI international calendar, effective from 2 April 2024.”

This includes amateur Time Trial competitors at the 2024 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships next September/October in Aalborg, Denmark.

Current World Time Trial Champion Remco Evenepoel, whose Soudal Quick-Step team uses the T55, blasted the UCI’s new head sock rule, “This is laughable.” While pro Tom Pidcock calls these seemingly random rules part of the UCI “rule changing shit show.”

Photo Credit: Specialized

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