On 19 September 2025, the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) opened an inquiry into a proposed technical standard adopted by UCI, the international cyclists’ union (UCI), to determine whether that standard distorts competition. UCI had tentatively decided that the maximum gear ratio (Maximum Gearing) in professional road cycling events should reflect the equivalent of a 54-tooth chainring with an 11-tooth sprocket (54×11) (see, attached press release). The test phase for this standard started on 1 August 2025 and the Maximum Gearing protocol will apply to the Tour of Guangxi, China, scheduled to take place between 14 and 19 October 2025.

The Maximum Gearing protocol was challenged by US based SRAM, because the new standard would compel the firm to make major adjustments, while several competing suppliers, such as Campagnolo of Italy and Shimano of Japan, already rely on 54×11 gearing. SRAM currently provides equipment to four major men’s professional teams: Lidl-Trek, Movistar, Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe, and Visma-Lease a Bike.

While the BCA claims that there are “serious indications of a possible restriction of competition”, UCI said the Maximum Gearing was mooted for safety reasons.

According to SRAM, the Maximum Gearing protocol was adopted without consultation, lacks any supporting empirical evidence, is devoid of any genuine safety justifications, puts SRAM and the SRAM-equipped professional cyclists at a competitive disadvantage, chills innovation, and distorts competition in the market for road drivetrain systems. According to SRAM, all of this gives rise to a violation of EU and Belgian competition rules, including Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. On that basis, SRAM not only seeks a decision on the merits but also injunctive relief.

Given the global span of this case, SRAM could have chosen the UK Competition and Markets Authority, the European Commission, or a prominent EU Member State competition authority to file its complaint. Instead, it opted for the BCA which has made a name for itself in reviewing a variety of sporting federation rules. Most recently, in August 2025, the BCA assessed the rules pertaining to football and inline hockey (see, VBB Belgian Antitrust Watch of 20 August 2025). Additionally, in September 2022, the BCA imposed interim measures on the national regulatory association for the pigeon-racing sector with respect to its electronic registration system.