The International Federation modifies its “three kilometer” rule

Marie Mahé, Media365: published on Monday October 7, 2024 at 6:20 p.m.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has decided to modify its “three kilometer” rule. From January 1, 2025, a runner who falls alone, in a stage event, will no longer be credited with the same time of the group to which he belonged.

Small revolution coming in the world of cycling. From January 1, 2025, an important rule in stage races will be refined. Indeed, the International Cycling Union (UCI) has decided to make a modification to its so-called “three kilometer” rule. This rule, established in 2005, was intended to reduce any risk of falling before a mass sprint. It allowed any cyclist who was the victim of a fall or even a mechanical incident, during the last three kilometers of a stage, to be automatically credited, upon arrival, with the same time as the group to which they belonged at the time. where the incident occurred, for safety reasons. From next season, a rider who falls alone will no longer be able to benefit from this same famous rule. It is in the latest update of its regulations, which must come into force from January 1, 2025, that the International Cycling Union (UCI) took the decision to make this modification.

A timing tape must be placed at the three kilometer sign.

Concerning this three kilometer rule, it is now specified that falls, for them to be taken into account, must “involve several runners”. This point of detail may be of some importance. For example, during the eleventh stage of the Tour de France this summer, Primoz Roglic suffered a fall during the descent leading to Lioran, just two kilometers from the finish. At that time, the Slovenian was in contact with Remco Evenepoel. The establishment of this rule could no longer allow him to be reclassified at the same time as the Belgian, if this rule had been changed earlier. As also specified by the International Cycling Union, the organizers of all UCI races must install a timing tape at the three kilometer sign, in addition to the one placed at the finish line.