Calling all World Cup Racers and Wannabe's!

Oct 22, 2008 at 0:03
Oct 22, 2008
by Simon Paton
 
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Just had this communication in from the suits in Switzerland (UCI).

Some interesting new rules and regulations for the DH fraternity concerning skin suits, going bullet and more.

First off, make a note of the 2009 tour dates. Eight rounds for the Downhill fraternity is going to be a killer on the team's purse strings in these tight times. Will this also mean many of the top riders concentrating on this instead of their domestic national series?

2009 Race Dates:

April
11-12th UCI World Cup DHI/4X Round 1 Pietermaritzburg (RSA)

May
UCI World Cup DHI Round 2 La Bresse (FRA)
UCI World Cup DHI/4X Round 3 Vallnord (AND)

June
UCI World Cup DHI/4X Round 4 06-07.06.2009 Fort William (GBR)
UCI World Cup DHI/4X Round 5 20-21.06.2009 Maribor (SLO)

July
18-19th BC National Champs Innerleithen (Sco)
25-26th UCI World Cup XCO/DHI/4X Round 6 Mont-Sainte-Anne (CAN)

August
1-2nd UCI World Cup XCO/DHI/4X Round 7 Bromont (CAN)

September
5-6th UCI World Champs Canberra (Aus)
19-20 UCI World Cup XCO/DHI/4X Round 8 Schladming (AUT)

2009 UCI MTB World Regulations
The new rules or modifications to the 2009 UCI Mountain Bike regulations have been approved by the UCI Management Committee. The 2009 UCI MTB regulations will be published on the UCI website from December.

The most important changes are listed below:

UCI MTB World Cup:
World Cup Participation: will basically remain the same as last year except that riders belonging to a UCI MTB Team will need the 20 UCI points as well to participate at UCI MTB World Cup.

World Cup Registration: will remain the same as last year. It will be through the online registration system.

World Cup - Late Entries:
- the rule concerning the late entries from national federations has not changed, will remains 300CHF per riders
- Late entries from UCI MTB teams: a fine of CHF 300 for the first rider and where more than one rider is involved, a total fine of CHF 500 shall be paid.

World Cup Award Ceremony - The following riders must attend:
- The five first riders in the elite event;
- The leader of the elite general classification after the event in question;
- The leader of the DHI juniors general classification after the event in question;
- The first UCI MTB team of the event in question;

UCI MTB Team World Cup Standings: will be the same as last year.
Riders of the leading UCI MTB team shall be given yellow number plates which must be used during the World Cup.

World Cup Start Order Downhill:
The start order for the semi-final and the race numbers are determined as follows:
- the general classification of the current world cup for the first 80 men and the first 20 women in that classification.
- For the first event: as per the final individual general classification of the world cup of the preceding season for the first 80 men and the first 20 women in that classification.
- then, as per the last UCI individual classification.
- then by drawing lots for the other riders.

World Cup - Start Number Downhill:
Riders who submitted a late registration which was approved by the UCI will be allocated the next available highest race number, with the exception of the first 80 men and the first 20 women in the most recent world cup classification for whom the race number will be reserved.

- Permanent season numbers will no be attributed as from 2009

Protections in Downhill/4X:
An approved full-face helmet must be worn properly fastened both when racing and when training on the course. The helmet must be fitted with a visor. Open-face helmets may not be worn. Devil Pedals and Disco slippers may not be used.

Mojo Head Man Chris Porter: No more of this at World Cups.

Mojo Head Man Chris Porter: No more of this at World Cups.


The UCI strongly recommends that riders wear the following protection:
- back, elbow, knee and shoulder protectors made of rigid materials;
- protection for the nape of the neck and the cervical vertebrae;
- padding on shins and thighs;
- full-length trousers made from rip-resistant material incorporating protection for the knees and calves, or broad-cut shorts made from rip-resistant material plus knee and calf protectors with a rigid surface;
- long sleeved shirt;

- full finger gloves.

Clothing in Downhill/4X:
All tight-fitting clothing is not permitted. Tyler, does that mean your going to have to upgrade your wardrobe?
Chris Hutchens

Chris Hutchens



WHAT'S NEXT?
2009 UCI Mountain Bike - Team Registration

Beginning of November, the 2009 UCI MTB Team registration will be sent by email to the National Federations and the 2008 registered UCI MTB Teams.

UCI MTB teams must submit their application no later than 1 February 2009. At that point, UCI MTB teams shall have until 15 February to submit and complete their registration documents. Applications received after February 1st will not be considered.

Cheers.

Si.
www.Descent-Gear.com
Fox 2009 Goggles Now Instock!

Okay, hands up, I made the ban on SPD's up.
Must Read This Week









171 Comments

  • + 49
flag mikelevy Mod Plus (Oct 22, 2008 at 0:38)
 The whole goal of DH racing is to get from point A to point B as quick as possible and on some courses a skin suit is going to help. Next thing you know the UCI will ban chainrings bigger than 36 teeth, it just makes no sense really

Skin suits and lycra make sense. If you are racing for podium spots on the WC circuit you should stop being such a fashion slave and suit up. For those that it is bothering, who cares! You don't have to wear it and it really makes no difference to you. I would like to know the reason for this ridiculous rule change! It can't be a safety issue as you can wear pads under your suit. Are they trying to curb the podium protests maybe? Maybe the person who got beat by the lycra wearer should try it out next time then if they're pissed about loosing by .3 of a second!

While I'll admit I'm not up to snuff on the UCI and they're decision making but I really hope this isn't just based solely on concerns that some hillbilly is going to assume our sport is "gay" just because he happens to see some racer in tighties!

Maybe we should concentrate less on what the rest of the worlds perception of us is and just be our own damn sport!
  • + 19
flag snook (Oct 22, 2008 at 1:24)
 Thank you somebody else who doesn't give shit as long as you're winning, it's not a fashion show guys, it's a race! Who gives a crap about what you look like if you're having fun.
What are Devil Pedals/Disco Slippers?
And why the hell do you have to have a visor on your helmet? What difference does that make?
  • + 4
flag lucky49 (Oct 22, 2008 at 1:48)
 Devil Pedals/Disco Slippers are SPD's i believe...
I thought it was a whole load more relaxed Frown ! Why so serious ?
  • + 2
flag cel1189 (Oct 22, 2008 at 2:09)
 porbs banned it beacuse only few riders have adopted the suits, not all
have jumped on the skin suit band wagon - praps unfair tho those who
havent? - my guess...
  • + 6
flag Themaninthenorth (Oct 22, 2008 at 2:13)
 Interesting point about skinsuit wearers looking "gay". If the person wearing said skinsuit is actually "gay" in real life, what does that make the skinsuit?
  • + 5
flag snook (Oct 22, 2008 at 2:38)
 They cannot ban SPDs, no way!
  • + 3
flag bigburd (Oct 22, 2008 at 4:04)
 surely this is a joke ? they cant ban clip-ins .....is this what is happening or have I miss-read this?
  • + 7
flag szfetbb (Oct 22, 2008 at 4:24)
 I hope this is a joke... especially that many riders suddenly changed from clips to flats - SAM HILL is the one to blame? Don't think so but even as a crappy rider I know that both have pros and cons, and it's just a joice of which riding style suits better whom... Skinsuits?! if it's not a safety issue, then WTF? I guess it's just some bunch of guys that noticed - well DH is getting more of a proffessional cycling sport, then they need rules, so they can excel! what rules? Dunno, let's make up something!
  • + 5
flag tomo12377 (Oct 22, 2008 at 4:28)
 They can't ban SPDS, that is utterly retarded, who is making up these new rules? Sounds like Sam Hill's new sponsor Specialized!
And no tight fitting clothing? what so you can't wear rash vests under armour? or compression clothing for muscle support? I actually wanna hit one of these f**ckers coming up with this shit, go mess with road racing or something leave downhill to us!
  • + 12
flag downtheline (Oct 22, 2008 at 4:43)
 It says at the bottom that the SPD thang is a joke. Learn to read.
  • + 1
flag tomo12377 (Oct 22, 2008 at 6:17)
 It was added later for the record
  • + 1
flag oceen246 (Oct 22, 2008 at 8:18)
 Well said kakah. I mean if you look at other sports where speed is involved, they all started from loose clothing and evolve into tights. I believe it should the racers that should choose what they want to wear.
  • + 3
flag bunkey (Oct 22, 2008 at 10:11)
 but then surely the riders of teams with baggy-cut outfits are going to protest, they cant wear lycra because its not the team strip, and if the team is on a budget then they arent going to want to come up with a whole new team strip, so this will eliminate THAT problem. to have it fair, its either all racers wear lycra or all racers wear looser clothing, it comes down to that, and to be honest, if it was the opposite: that all riders must wear lycra to make it fair, then im guessing it will discourage a LOT of people from the sport, call them 'trend whores' or whatever you like, but that is the honest inevitability. its a decision based on equality with the sports popularity and reputation (in this trend-whore world we live in) taken into consideration. this is my interpritation of their thought process and reasoning, im just throwing it out there, so comment as much as you wish to! its open to discussion Smile
  • + 1
flag konagoern Plus (Oct 22, 2008 at 10:14)
 I´m so tired of the discussion, if there should be skinsuits ore not, over the last years...
  • + 0
flag almostwise Mod Plus (Oct 23, 2008 at 7:10)
 So, no skinsuits, but does that mean no short sleeves/trousers also? can't get much more tight than skin...be interested to hear the UCI's reasoning for the ban when they're published. Does seem a rather ridiculous rule change after so many years. I'd have thought baggy clothing runs a higher risk of snagging during a race/crash potentially causing more risk of injury. I'm sure it's a debate that will rage over the next season.....
  • + 2
flag mat-DHer (Apr 12, 2009 at 2:13)
 I think its a valid rule. if you ask any world champs racer, alot of them say they actually dislike the skinsuits. if any of them enjoyed wearing them we would have seen them rock it ages ago when it was actually alowed. no one wore them before so why is everyone having a winge just now as they bring in a rule against it? and also some of you need to learn to read, it only said that fullface helmets are compulsery, everything else is optional
[Reply]
  • + 21
flag fleuris (Oct 22, 2008 at 3:08)
 No more skinsuits?? There actually is a BAN by the UCI on skinsuits?? Has the world gone mad!!! I have a proposal: ban skinsuits for the gents, mandatory for the chicks!
  • + 4
flag szfetbb (Oct 22, 2008 at 4:25)
 good one! Wink
  • + 2
flag Kerba (Oct 23, 2008 at 12:44)
 or topless Big Grin
[Reply]
  • + 10
flag jimjamm (Oct 22, 2008 at 5:06)
 The difference between wearing a skin suit and not is probably negligible, especially compared to a rider error. They probably only factor into results on tracks with long fast open sections, can't see them having much effect on a steep technical section.

The difference in image though is immense. If skin suits became the norm it could damage the public's perception of the sport - the sports key demographic (young men) might become disenfranchised with it if they can't or don't want to relate. You only have to look at how many kids on forums like this one refer to them as gay. At the minute dh seems to be in the middle of a resurgance and the UCI probably want to make sure that continues and nothing happens to upset the apple cart.

Downhill racing is generally percieved as an extreme sport and definately "cool". Wearing skin suits won't make the sport any less extreme or any less dangerous but it may change the publics perception. Had this ruling not been passed eventually everyone would be wearing skin suits scrambling to get the competitive edge and dh would become a sport where men in skin tights clothes ride bikes downhills. This would probably great for freeriding, not so good for attracting kids to dh.
  • + 1
flag JokerMachine (Oct 22, 2008 at 5:41)
 I don't really think it's about image at all. Probably more about some "safety concerns". I will tell you right now, a skinsuit compared to some good loose rip-resistant pants ... crash in both. In the pants, you might walk away with abrasions, with the skinsuit you're probably going to leave a streak of skin, blood and flesh for about 50 feet.
  • + 1
flag tne613 (Oct 22, 2008 at 7:32)
 Dude, totally agree with everything except: "Had this ruling not been passed eventually everyone would be wearing skin suits scrambling to get the competitive edge and dh would become a sport where men in skin tights clothes ride bikes downhills." Skin suits aren't new technology...they used to be the norm back in the old days when DHers had bar ends on their handlebars. It's the riders themselves that moved away from the "gay" image. The UCI ban only nailed the lid in the coffin.
  • + 0
flag rstwosix (Oct 23, 2008 at 3:57)
 Exactly it is the riders who moved away from the 'gay' image of the past and it's riders who have wanted the UCI to implement the ban so they can wear moto gear and not be disadvantaged by one or two clowns wearing lycra. It's only because those clowns wore skinsuits at the the World Champs that other riders felt compelled to don a ballet suit as well - much to their horror.
  • + 1
flag Themaninthenorth (Oct 23, 2008 at 10:28)
 Wasn't it UCI rules that made all riders wear skinsuits at the Worlds regardless of riders thoughts on the matter.
  • + 0
flag rstwosix (Oct 23, 2008 at 14:46)
 Nah
[Reply]
  • + 8
flag rstwosix (Oct 22, 2008 at 4:33)
 About time the UCI did settled this and they've made the right decision. Riders don't want to wear a ballet suit and it would appear the UCI has listened. Wearing a skinsuit might make a rider a few seconds faster but it looks ridiculous especially when stretched over protective gear. There's been a lot of bitching about this between riders and the UCI has put the matter to rest even to the issue of visors on helmets. I've heard that there has been a gentleman's egreement between riders that no-one would remove their helmet visor to gain an aerodynamic advantage - because they all know how dorky it looks, but they could never reach complete agreement on wearing skinsuits. So with this UCI decision it's now back to moto gear and a level playing field. DH racing & 4X needs a distinctive and cool image to attract kids to the sport and to market itself to the media which brings in more sponsorship money (including from clothing companies like Fox,TLD etc who make the clothing riders will wear)and helps the sport grow.
  • + 4
flag w-e-w (Oct 22, 2008 at 9:07)
 I think this is the only intelligent post here. Riders don't want to wear those skin suits... I know I don't wear them when I'm riding. Riders end up "having" to wear them in order not to loose any competitive edge, no matter how slight. Then all the clothing sponsors (who SUPPORT $$$ athletes, teams, and events) are losing all their exposure at the biggest events. Eliminating the skin suits means riders can wear what they're comfortable in, what they would normally ride and train in, and what they WANT to wear, all while pleasing sponsors who keep the sport funded. I think it's a good call myself.
  • + 1
flag deanw (Oct 22, 2008 at 10:29)
 WOW, rstwosix, well said. Your argument and explanation makes total sense.
  • + 2
flag konagoern Plus (Oct 22, 2008 at 10:35)
 That´s also my opinion, if everyone has to it´s fair and no one could complain that other gain aerodynamic advantage...
  • + 1
flag szfetbb (Nov 19, 2008 at 4:27)
 rstwosix you should get a bikenobel prize for that comment - you should post it everytime that discussion comes back. WELL SAID WISE MAN!
  • + 1
flag rstwosix (Nov 20, 2008 at 2:28)
 Thanks very much.
[Reply]
  • + 12
flag samthomasorange224 (Oct 22, 2008 at 0:23)
 How can they measure whether the clothing is too tight??
  • + 4
flag mikelevy Mod Plus (Oct 22, 2008 at 1:00)
 I've read on a thread that BMX'ers have to be able to pinch 3 cm of material away from their skin. Ridiculous.
  • + 11
flag tne613 (Oct 22, 2008 at 4:13)
 ...by the outline of the buldge.
  • - 6
flag MTB35 (Oct 22, 2008 at 14:55) (Below Threshold) show comment
 wat about skinny jeans like com on!!!!!!
  • + 7
flag odin333 (Oct 22, 2008 at 16:54)
 who the hell would wear skinny jeans for a UCI race?
  • + 9
flag mountainbika91023 (Oct 22, 2008 at 20:29)
 an emo
  • - 1
flag kev-roberts (Jan 7, 2009 at 2:25)
 how many emos do you now, race in the UCI world cup ?
[Reply]
  • + 10
flag jgozani (Oct 22, 2008 at 0:07)
 Oh man nice!
"All tight-fitting clothing is not permitted" haha
  • + 3
flag shankmelank1 (Oct 22, 2008 at 5:54)
 WOOOOHOOOOO first race in south africa!!!!
  • + 11
flag fireballrider (Oct 22, 2008 at 8:10)
 not good for emos
  • + 1
flag sxman (Oct 22, 2008 at 8:25)
 haha. that was a good one.
  • + 1
flag northwestdhdad Plus (Oct 22, 2008 at 11:58)
 TrevPratt actually does wear one folks- CAMEL TO ALERT!
  • + 0
flag rideayeti (Oct 22, 2008 at 18:34)
 sam blenkinsop is gonna be pissed with them trying to enforce the padding regualtion, since he wear only knee pads.
  • - 2
flag kaibrabo (Oct 22, 2008 at 19:37)
 where are the american world cup races?
  • - 1
flag suicidedownhiller (Oct 22, 2008 at 19:54)
 whats devil pedals? and disco slippers?
  • + 0
flag dirtbikerjackson (Oct 22, 2008 at 20:40)
 haha i was wondering that too
  • + 0
flag the-night-sheep (Oct 22, 2008 at 23:15)
 SPD pedals and shoes
  • + 8
flag hoshi (Oct 23, 2008 at 9:04)
 so tight cloths get banned from DH and find their new place in Slopstyle/Dirt... all the riders wearing their sisters pants
  • + 0
flag bikerdude012 (Oct 23, 2008 at 19:38)
 i dont think there are american WC's because ur guy's security is too tight now and its too big of a hassle to get bikes and watnot across the boarder and back without being tampered with or opened
  • + 0
flag happystinkyman (Oct 24, 2008 at 13:06)
 God Damn the USA!
[Reply]
  • + 8
flag biker0chris (Oct 22, 2008 at 0:12)
 Be interested to see what counts as "tight clothing".
  • + 4
flag bunkey (Oct 22, 2008 at 10:02)
 fish-nets Wink
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag Themaninthenorth (Oct 22, 2008 at 8:00)
 There is a lot of Homophobia issues on here, no doubt people suppressing their homosexual tendencies. Gay this, gay that, just because someone disagrees with what someone else chooses to wear or use!
Now tell me this, when was the last time you saw someone gay wearing a skinsuit and how did you know they were gay?
  • + 2
flag dingo-dave (Oct 22, 2008 at 11:30)
 Dude... I don't think I could've said it better.
  • + 1
flag rstwosix (Oct 22, 2008 at 20:36)
 Where have you been the last 5 years? Whether you like it or not 'Gay' is now a figure of speech which can mean: dumb, daggy, out there, over the top, out of fashion, goofy, funny, silly, stupid, etc. and sometimes 'gay' is actually used as a word to mean gay as in homosexual. Whether or not this is the right use of the word 'Gay' - you decide.
  • + 0
flag Themaninthenorth (Oct 23, 2008 at 1:04)
 5 years! Oh dear, you really are behind the times down there aren't you?
Only someone from Australia could come up with weak, shallow and incorrect comment like what you have just posted above!
  • + 0
flag rstwosix (Oct 23, 2008 at 4:42)
 Looks like I hit a raw nerve. I know I'm correct.
  • + 0
flag dingo-dave (Oct 24, 2008 at 10:51)
 So how're we supposed to know what the eff you're talking about if you use the same word for all of those other words which all have their own unique definitions???
What's the point of having words if you can make them mean whatever you want? Conasse...
  • + 0
flag rstwosix (Oct 25, 2008 at 17:04)
 Yeah I know - I'm not saying it's right I'm just tellin' it like it is.
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag fleuris (Oct 22, 2008 at 4:25)
 SPD's kill??? Pfff this is most likely THE neverending discussion for mtb's en personal preferences. Putt Sam Hill on a bike with spd's and it won't work, but Peaty on flats and that will not work as well. Because: it's a personal preference!!! SPD's or flats isnt about what is faster, its about what suits YOU better. If Sam would be faster on spd's he'd be riding them. Besides: do learn to read, there is nothing mentioned about banning spd's. I rest my case.
  • + 1
flag bomberdave (Oct 22, 2008 at 7:18)
 it does mention them but after says it was just a joke
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag bonezey (Oct 22, 2008 at 7:06)
 who cares what you look like , if its faster then use it , to go through all the hassle of setting up shocks and fitting lighter go faster parts and developing the lastest equipment why not go the full way and wear skin suit , after all its the quickest person to the bottom of the mountain that wins not the best looking its not a fashion show , surely if there going to introduce stupid rules like that to level the playing field then they should introduce bike regulations like minimum weight and inchs of travel and weither or not you can use spds or putting everyone on the same tyres the list goes on because a bike set up makes a bigger difference than clothes choice , and after all there was never a rule that said you had to wear a skin suit , so what if you look gay if your beaten out of the top spot by 0.003 because of your choice to wear loose fitting gear who will be the one laughing .
  • + 0
flag MTB35 (Oct 22, 2008 at 15:22)
 budy u say that if u wear the skin suits u will go faster wat happens wen every one wears a skin suit?????????then they will still have to go through all the hassle of setting up shocks and fitting lighter go faster parts and developing the lastest equipment...if ur a good racer u set up ur shocks and ways..........
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag mike147 (Oct 22, 2008 at 0:45)
 skinny jeans out then? goofy cap and too much purple still in?
  • + 4
flag nfiorito (Oct 22, 2008 at 8:20)
 do you have a certain Rampage winner in mind?
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag miguel-fonseca (Oct 22, 2008 at 5:03)
 the tight fitting rule is ridiculous... ok in XC but banned in 4X/DH.... if people want to look like bananas for a 0.001 second advantage why not letting them? It might even raise TV audiences....

moreover is already a classic at the champs with all the national teams in tight suits...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Adrenaline-Freak (Oct 22, 2008 at 16:04)
 man, why can't they just make this like downhill skiing? No clothing in ski racing is a MUST OR YOU CAN'T COMPETE, people just wear it cause its faster. And lets face it. Skin suits are hella comfortable! Don't care what you say, skin2win!
[Reply]
  • + 6
flag cowieuk (Oct 22, 2008 at 0:09)
 No more skinsuits!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag tiggerwantstobike (Oct 22, 2008 at 15:35)
 erm ..im not sure im guessing
.. bt i think disco slippers are.. like the pedals that have a cage on the front of them.. like road bikes.. and devil pedals ..possibly being the proper clamped down pedals that have straps that go over your shoes and you have to use your hand to relese them! ... bt im not sure!! :L haha dont abuse me if im wrong !!!! haha
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag gavind (Oct 23, 2008 at 21:44)
 I just noticed something on the UCI site that is surely an error - they have Round 2 of the 4X with the XCO round in Houffalize, and then the 2nd round of the DH at La Bresse on its own... is this a stuff up or have they gone for an odd set up for those two rounds?
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag papapendrel (Oct 24, 2008 at 17:13)
 Do skin suits look to serious, too professional... like number plates! Should we get rid of those too. No, we should save them for racing, for professional competition, just like skin suits. Our sport suffers from a serious inability to grow up. Racers are more concerned with looking cool than winning. The top world cup pros get in fights with the locals on a regular basis. Videographers document their juvenile antics like a tabloid. We will never be invited to join the olympics, or see top riders paid what they deserve until we grow up.
  • + 1
flag rstwosix (Oct 25, 2008 at 1:27)
 Racers are concerned with both looking cool and obviously winning. Most people would prefer to look cool than like a dork. Wearing a skinsuit stretched over all the protective gear a rider should be wearing looks stupid. The UCI didn't go far enough - the whole list of body armour including neck braces should have been made mandatory as well. Safety is top priority and by going back to wearing moto gear a rider can wear body armour underneath and still look cool. This image is going to attract kids to the sport more than wearing a ballet suit.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag si-paton Plus (Oct 22, 2008 at 10:35)
 Did anyone pick up on the full faces for 4x? No more Lopes running his pis-pot.

Also the 20 points system stopping anyone entering by just creating their own trade team if they could afford to pay the UCI a bunch of Swiss Francs..

I'm glad they've banned SPD's, thats been in the pipeline for the last six months i've heard. They are also looking to ban those devil pedals for 4x as well as for BMX in the Olympics my Swiss contact tells me. (Moms the word)..
  • + 1
flag Stoked-Commencal (Oct 22, 2008 at 13:28)
 Again, they are not banning spd's
  • + 0
flag rstwosix (Oct 22, 2008 at 20:38)
 That's right folks - the SPD ban was a joke!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag si-paton Plus (Oct 23, 2008 at 1:02)
 About time they banned SPD's. At the last World Cup everyone was talking about this rule. At last we can see who has all the skill and not just the fittest with the pedal power. Well done UCI..
  • + 1
flag Themaninthenorth (Oct 23, 2008 at 1:09)
 Stop it! The stupid people don't get it!
  • + 1
flag rstwosix (Oct 23, 2008 at 4:24)
 You said it!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag papapendrel (Oct 24, 2008 at 17:05)
 This rule is rediculous. Every professional sport athlete should use the equipment and clothing that gives him or her the greatest advantage when it does not pose a hazard to themselves or others. The fashion point is stupid. Fashion in sport is determined by what the best riders use. Sponsorship is based on this fact. This was proven by the rediculous number of riders that switched to wearing pants over the past 2 years. Pants suck to ride in unless it is cold and wet, but Sam Hill made them cool. DH riders seem to suffer from a lack of self esteem. If the best riders always wore skinsuits to race in, it would soon become cool, so cool infact, that you would no doubt see kids wearing them at whistler and everywhere else (i don't reccomend this).
I think skinsuits make the sport look more professional. It looks like the rider has prepared for competition. DH ski racers wear skinsuits when they race and whatever is fashionable when they're casually skiing.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag godfried (Oct 22, 2008 at 8:31)
 Aerodynamic is the key for this racers to break a record again and again! but then it looks funny or being laughed at when regular DH riders wear this at local events. WHY? because regular riders have no sponsors? or we are no celebrity?
  • + 0
flag JokerMachine (Oct 23, 2008 at 7:55)
 "WHY? because regular riders have no sponsors? or we are no celebrity?"

No, it's because you are not a good enough rider to warrant needing a skin suit. The fact that it's more "aerodynamic" doesn't matter if you can make up more time by not braking so early, by pedaling better, etc.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag quinner (Oct 22, 2008 at 8:23)
 Why the change? Complainers...plus you have Minaar sitting on the Board voicing the communities DH concerns. Too bad about the 20 point rule change on the Trade Team dudes...no more Team America backdooring the WC circuit type of situations. Oh well. Basically it's back to point chasing if you want to race the WC. Bloody expensive in this country...
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag sam-rodda (Oct 22, 2008 at 0:20)
 Will they be allowed to wear skin-suits at the Champs?
  • + 0
flag allenrotstein (Oct 22, 2008 at 13:25)
 good question... the ban is only for World Cups or also World Champs??
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flag rstwosix (Oct 22, 2008 at 20:06)
 The UCI runs the World Cup & the World Champs - so it will apply to both.
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  • + 2
flag RockGiant (Oct 23, 2008 at 7:39)
 Jason McRoy wore skinsuits.

uk.youtube.com/watch?v=mX4qkAbDyyk

Who's calling him gay?
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag si-paton Plus (Oct 22, 2008 at 4:33)
 Yeah I can't believe they've banned SPDs, whats that all about? We all know Peaty rocks on SPD's. Everyone knows their faster than flat pedals. Who made this rule up? Can someone explain?
  • + 1
flag Stoked-Commencal (Oct 22, 2008 at 13:22)
 They havn't banned SPD's you tool, learn to read
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flag rstwosix (Oct 23, 2008 at 3:40)
 Couldn't have said it better myself - No they haven't banned SPD's - that part of the report was a joke! The rest of the rules are true.
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  • + 3
flag dazem (Oct 22, 2008 at 4:14)
 there is no ban on spd's you speds! learn to read!
  • + 0
flag tomo12377 (Oct 22, 2008 at 4:30)
 Ok smarty pants explain this for us all then "Devil Pedals and Disco slippers may not be used" ?????????????
  • + 1
flag tomo12377 (Oct 22, 2008 at 4:33)
 that bit at the end wasn't there when i posted my messages!
  • + 1
flag dazem (Oct 22, 2008 at 12:21)
 sorry boss, lol, didn't mean to hurt your feelings
  • + 2
flag rstwosix (Oct 22, 2008 at 20:14)
 'Devil Pedals' are SPD or clip in pedals and 'Disco Slippers' are the SPD shoes with cleats. If you read the rules carefully you'll see the SPD ban is a joke!
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag nojzilla (Oct 22, 2008 at 11:19)
 this is crazy! i thought this was a "free sport" why so many rules. heres somethin to thik about...DH ends up like downhill ski'ing or F1 racing, every rider looking exactly the same just different colors all using exactly the same line with the exact same style,race times seperated by 100ths of a second across the board....man that would suck the fun out of it!!! i once crashed while wearing lycra(in my XC days)an ended up nearly naked!! but riders should be able to choose whats best for themselves.. is this sport for the riders or the people watching????? ok so the image might atract big time sponsor money but look how this has made other race sports sooo boring.take a leaf from bmx "by the riders for the riders"
  • + 1
flag rstwosix (Oct 22, 2008 at 20:43)
 BMX racing is regulated by the UCI and there are rules for helmets and clothing too.
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flag nojzilla (Oct 23, 2008 at 1:28)
 i meant freestyle bmx!
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flag rstwosix (Oct 23, 2008 at 4:09)
 Freestyle BMX has got nothing to do with this. This is about Elite World Cup DH, 4X & BMX racing which has to be organised, run, point scored and regulated by a governing body - which happens to be the UCI.
  • + 1
flag nojzilla (Oct 23, 2008 at 7:59)
 too many rules
f*ck this....i'm off down the trails
i'm only tryin to say riders should have the right to choose
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flag ilovebikes005 (Oct 22, 2008 at 4:32)
 are they trying to cancel out as many variables possible? maybe so it can go intot he olympics, which im not sure would be good or bad...
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  • - 1
flag Adrenaline-Freak (Oct 22, 2008 at 16:07)
 just saw nojzilla, and to him i reply this: People wear skin suits because its aerodynamic. They all look the same because nobody cares what they look like, they just want to go damn fast. and for the record, im also one of those so-called "gay" skin suit wearers, because i like going fast. hence my name.
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flag rstwosix (Oct 22, 2008 at 23:22)
 Crikey george mate - you want to go damn fast and wear a gay skinsuit and you don't care what you look like (I think you twisting the truth and really like how you look in tha skinsuit). Just to gain a few seconds you wear a full length condom suit - now that's totally gay.
  • + 1
flag nojzilla (Oct 23, 2008 at 1:50)
 hey adrenaline-freak please re-read my comment,i said that riders should be able to choose whats best for themselves, that includes skinsiuts,moto x gear or baggy jeans an jumpers as long as we got pads on underneath i also think riders should be able to take thier peaks off if they want.and i no way made comments about riders sexuality and what they wear!!!!!! i think skinsiuts look totaly PRO but i would'nt want to crash in one.the point i was trying to make is that too many rules are gonna make our (free)sport BORING!....like downhill ski'ing lol! the multitude of characters an their different styles of clothing/riding/attitude are what attracts people to take part rather than just watch.
  • + 1
flag rstwosix (Oct 23, 2008 at 4:23)
 Your 'free sport' of DH racing is far from what you think. DH racing run by any club in the world which is affiliated with the governing body UCI has to abide by UCI rules. If you want to race World Cup you abide by UCI rules which is as it should be. If you wanna ride free - go ride freeride and don't bother racing.
  • + 0
flag nojzilla (Oct 23, 2008 at 8:21)
 i was in a 4X race last wekend,in the masters final there was 1guy in full pro body armour on a single speed full suss.2 guys on 9speed hardtails wearin moto gear an 1guy on a single speed 24inch hardtail wearin jeans an jumper an guess what.....it was FUN! we all had FUN.
i'm savin up for a full suss at the mo to start racing downhill but,perhaps i'l buy a "freeride" bike instead of a "downhill" bike an go "freeriding" and perhaps other DH riders will too when theyve had enough of being told what they can wear.
p.s didn't you read that im in favour of skinsiuts?
  • + 1
flag rstwosix (Oct 23, 2008 at 16:42)
 You wont get any argument from me on the 'fun' factor. Riding should be fun. Racing should be fun too and often is, but the further up the ladder you go with organised sport including bike racing you have to abide by rules & regulations set by the governing body. At the elite level money and politics come into the equation more - the UCI is marketing a sport to the media and will do what they can to make each discipline of cycling a distinct product that is going to appeal to the media & public alike. Without money from sponsors and advertisers the World Cup wouldn't exist and I'd say that these factors (along with rider's opinions) have a lot to do with the new rules about clothing. I think that the majority opinion from all sides sitting around the boardroom table is that 'Moto' style gear is the best image for DH & 4X. Pick up any MTB mag and look at the amount of advertising and stories with photos that show DH & 4X riders wearing all the gear and projecting the image that is going to sell. I happen to like the moto image and so does the average kid and mr & mrs/ms joe public and that's the bottom line.
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  • + 3
flag pushingbroom (Oct 22, 2008 at 10:27)
 Your all really sensitive people.
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flag bachkippe (Oct 22, 2008 at 12:40)
 why does the uci uses words which nobody kwow in their rules? e.g. devil pedals/disco slippers
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flag ShaolinWood (Oct 22, 2008 at 2:05)
 Sweeet world cup in RSA! Will have to go check
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flag goosh (Oct 22, 2008 at 10:19)
 gona be there
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  • + 0
flag jimjamm (Oct 22, 2008 at 5:54)
 Shave their ankles maybe - it says knee and shin protection is now mandatory.
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flag mat-DHer (Apr 12, 2009 at 2:35)
 wrong you are, it says all but a full face is only "highly reccomended"
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  • - 3
flag elbry (Oct 22, 2008 at 23:15)
 its crazy, if a rider wants to wear a skin suit, let them.. if it makes them faster, it should be down to the rider not the uci, also lids must have a peak? look for a lot of short peaks or them put on backwards like the dead king (tylor king) did in fmx.
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  • - 1
flag leonardlimfs (Oct 22, 2008 at 4:20)
 well i couldn't agree with bigburd more.. spds kill.... as for the skin suits.. man... the only gripe i have is that we won't get to see rach in them no more... sigh
  • + 2
flag mat-DHer (Apr 12, 2009 at 2:23)
 im pretty sure the skinsuits are manditory if not compulsery at world champs, they were previous years anyway. so just hold out till canberra!!!
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  • + 0
flag grilorace (Oct 27, 2008 at 19:51)
 ..." Devil Pedals and Disco slippers may not be used.""because is against the holy bible!!!heheheheheh!!!
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flag konagoern Plus (Oct 22, 2008 at 12:13)
 anyway good information service pb! Thumbs up! 8 World cups next year, this rocks!
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  • + 0
flag alexrowling (Oct 22, 2008 at 11:24)
 haha no more silly suits!

bein stupid but waaat are disco slippers and devil pedals?
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  • + 0
flag ibisrox (Oct 22, 2008 at 5:51)
 Does this mean that DH'rs are going to have to shave their legs to shave those seconds off their times instead?
  • + 1
flag szfetbb (Oct 22, 2008 at 8:04)
 eee... shaving legs helps... especially when not wearing long pants while riding in the mud. I do not shave my legs but I do not like wripping my leg hair off to get rid of the mud either. If U cannot understand that and you think about everything you are doing in terms of look good or not, then go to a psychic so he helps you with your self confidence.
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  • + 1
flag KonaStinkyKid100 (Jul 31, 2011 at 21:14)
 damn i just read all these comments and most of them are funny as shit
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  • + 1
flag daydo (Oct 22, 2008 at 20:25)
 you look like a fag in a skin suit anyway
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  • + 1
flag shonky79 (Oct 25, 2008 at 17:13)
 that means no more rachel atherton in a skin suit boohoo
  • + 0
flag Themaninthenorth (Oct 26, 2008 at 2:53)
 That's no bad thing then!
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  • + 0
flag jimjamm (Oct 22, 2008 at 5:50)
 I'm sure it wouldnt be impossible to develop tough but tight fitting clothes.
  • + 0
flag JokerMachine (Oct 22, 2008 at 7:35)
 But due to that not being available at the moment, it is banned as being unsafe. I bet they can develop plastic rims that are strong but nobody uses those for downhill. Same with clothes.
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  • - 1
flag a-l-e-x (Oct 22, 2008 at 11:04)
 ouch, those mojo skinsuits were a bit too tight. The others were fine though.
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  • - 1
flag dhtarbo13 (Oct 22, 2008 at 7:42)
 what happens if u smash ur visor and then u dont have a spare? are they sayin u cant race?
  • + 1
flag rstwosix (Oct 23, 2008 at 3:59)
 Carry a spare visor in your kit!
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  • + 0
flag bigburd (Oct 22, 2008 at 4:05)
 well i suppose it will make a more level playing field
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  • + 0
flag philipstonier (Oct 22, 2008 at 16:30)
 i have always wanted to enter a race in spandex
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  • + 0
flag si-paton Plus (Oct 24, 2008 at 1:30)
 Gavind, Correct there is no Downhill at Round 2 of the 4x.
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  • + 0
flag mlangeslag (Oct 22, 2008 at 19:41)
 yaaay there is one in SA
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  • + 0
flag dhtarbo13 (Oct 22, 2008 at 13:04)
 its a joke
  • + 0
flag rstwosix (Oct 22, 2008 at 22:42)
 Like the man says - it's a joke! 'Devil Pedals' are SPD or clip in pedals and 'Disco Slippers' are the 'gay' shoes with cleats you wear to clip into your 'gay' pedals.
  • + 0
flag sl-twins (Oct 26, 2008 at 12:46)
 nothing gay about them down to personal preference
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  • - 3
flag Anderz (Oct 22, 2008 at 2:58)
 why would they ban SPDs ?
  • + 0
flag sl-twins (Oct 23, 2008 at 7:18)
 disco slippers and devil pedals are the xc ones, not shoes like shimano DXs and pedals like mallets
  • + 0
flag rstwosix (Oct 25, 2008 at 17:00)
 No - it's all SPD or clip in pedals & shoes.
  • + 0
flag sl-twins (Oct 26, 2008 at 7:55)
 no it isn't u mongo over half the racers ride clipped in so they wouldn't ban it!! if they had there wood be a much bigger thing made about it than the nothing that has happened so far
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  • - 3
flag dhtarbo13 (Oct 22, 2008 at 7:43)
 and is the armour a rule or just a suggestion?
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  • - 1
flag superfranky (Oct 23, 2008 at 4:57)
 good
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