UCI backs down and reduces frame approval fees

After what the World’s Federation for the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) called a “fruitful” meeting with the UCI, the cycling union released a revised approval process Friday. WFSGI Secretary General Robbert De Kock said, “It shows that the UCI has taken inputs of the industry seriously and I am convinced that the constructive dialog from the Aigle meeting will continue.”

There are now three procedures for approval instead of two:

• Comprehensive for time trial “mono-block” (carbon monocoque) models used in road and track events
• Intermediate procedure for “mono-block” frames used in mass start events (this includes cyclocross)
• Simplified procedure for “tubular” (welded or lugged) models

Prices have dropped as well, significantly. The “comprehensive procedure” will be reduced from 12,000 Swiss francs to 5,000. The “intermediate” will cost 3,000 Swiss francs and the “simplified procedure” dropped from 800 to 500 Swiss francs.

All prices apply, as before, to eight sizes per model. To add additional sizes the price will is determined by the procedure used to approve the previous eight sizes. So, an additional “comprehensive” size will be 500 Swiss francs, 250 for “intermediate” and 50 for “simplified.”

Time limits remain the same as before, one month for drawing approval and two months for checking actual frames and forks.

The UCI frame sticker has also changed. Previously the sticker was to display the approval date. Instead, the label will be coded. The UCI will also give a set of visual guidelines for placement of the UCI sticker instead of individual sticker placement approvals.