Belgian squad is forbidden to use the famous ‘aero’ gel at this season’s Tour de Suisse which only started a couple of days ago.
Apparently, it all started when the gel was too visible on Lotto Soudal cyclists’ legs during last week’s Criterium du Dauphine. The gel is sprayed on the legs increasing the frictional drag on cyclists’ legs by significantly reducing the airflow separation.
However, UCI seems to not have liked such method.Jean-Christophé Péraud, the UCI Materials and Equipment manager, said that the regulations of the cycling body clearly specify that: “”It is prohibited to wear clothing or skinsuits to which non-essential elements have been added with a view to improving their aerodynamic properties such as, for example, ‘wings’ under the arms or an extension between the helmet and the jersey or skinsuit. It is obligatory for clothing to follow the cyclist’s body shape.”
An Unfair Decision
On the other hand, Lotto Soudal manager, Marc Sergeant, thinks that the UCI’s decision to ban the famous ‘speed gel’ that the squad has been using in many cases, especially during last week’s Dauphine, is a bit unfair.
“I received a call from Jean-Christophé Péraud, the UCI Materials and Equipment manager. He told me that it is not allowed. That they will investigate the matter and that the regulations. With the Tour at the door – will be adjusted in the coming weeks,” Sergeant said.
Now, Sergeant and the team are taking the case seriously and are ready to query this decision with the UCI. The team manager also added that “if we don’t get a satisfactory answer then we might be able to take it to the Tour.”
#TourdeSuisse ?@bjorg_lambrecht right after the finish in Leukerbad, where he finished 10th! pic.twitter.com/HsqS2V7lKn
— Lotto Soudal (@Lotto_Soudal) June 13, 2018