UCI’s New Approval Protocol
The UCI’s new Approval Protocol for new bike frames and forks came into effect on 01.01.2011. Manufacturers are now required to part with £7,800 plus V.A.T per design to obtain UCI approval for new designs. Approved designs go on the UCI’s online approved list and have to wear a ‘UCI Approved’ sticker (the placement of said sticker on the approved design being another matter the UCI dictate). To put it mildly the UCI’s bold claim that the Approval Protocol is a ‘service’ to manufacturers, licence holders, teams, commissaires and ‘the sport of cycling in general’ is unlikely to be seen in that light by those subject to it.
