AIGLE, Switzerland (transcendmagazine.com) -- UPDATE: This is no longer a rumour. The UCI has officially banned skinsuits for competition in DH and 4x. The official announcement will be made to all Trade Teams and the Media Monday.
No details have been released as to how this will be enforced, but we imagine it will be a similiar sort of ruling as they currently have in BMX competition. You must be able to pinch 3cm of material between your fingers without stretching on the forearm.
Editorial: Unfortunately the UCI has felt the need to over regulate the sport once again. This is a speed based sport. Riders race against the clock, they should be able to take every aero advantage they can get, no matter how silly some people feel it looks.
You can bet that national federations will be protesting this on the cost factor alone. Most federations do 1 uniform. It is worn by everyone from the Road and pursuit teams through XC and DH. Now they need to do at least a BMX jersey, as even a long sleeve XC jersey will not pass the test, and many countries require long sleeves for downhill competitions.
I think the argument of the national federations is isn't one. The federations can use the BMX jersey and I think most federations have BMX jerseys.
Well that is partially true, I think many more countries field road and MTB teams than field BMX teams. I think you may see some of these countries drop their gravity MTB teams at worlds (as if they needed any more encouragement).