As the 2025 UCI World Championships begin in Kigali, riders and teams will be required to comply with a wide range of regulations covering areas such as rider clothing and the disposal of water bottles, with penalties including fines for any breaches. While some of the regulations are familiar, others are less expected, but all remain strictly enforced. ALSO READ: The 500m cobblestone climb that could decide 2025 UCI road race Here, The New Times prepared ten of the most interesting ones you should know: 1. Vehicles need to drive on the correct side of the road Vehicles participating in the race must travel on the side of the road required by the domestic laws of the host country. For this year’s championships in Rwanda, all vehicles must drive on the right-hand side of the road, in accordance with local traffic regulations. 2. No mid-race showers for riders Riders are not allowed to receive cooling sprays of water from team vehicles during a race. While cyclists are permitted to spray themselves with water, assistance from a moving vehicle is prohibited. In cases where a rider is sprayed with liquid from a team car, the driver of the vehicle is fined 200 Swiss francs per infringement, and the sport director responsible for the vehicle faces the same penalty. 3. Rain jackets must be transparent, have the same design as the kit or at least show the team name somewhere Rain jackets worn by riders are subject to specific regulations to ensure visibility and identification during races. Jackets must either match the design of the team’s standard jersey or be made of transparent material, and the team name must be clearly displayed. Any rider wearing a non-compliant jacket faces a fine of 500 Swiss francs. In addition, the team is fined 500 Swiss francs, regardless of how many riders are involved. ALSO READ: Where to eat in Kigali during UCI World Championships 4. Riders can be fined for behaving indecently towards spectators Riders are prohibited from engaging in conduct that includes insults, threats, or physical aggression directed at spectators or other individuals. Offenses cover a wide range of actions, such as pulling another rider’s jersey or saddle, using the helmet, knee, elbow, shoulder, foot, or hand to make contact, or any other behaviour considered indecent or endangering. Penalties range from 200 to 2,000 Swiss francs per infringement for riders, along with a deduction of 10 to 100 UCI ranking points. Other license holders found guilty of such conduct face fines between 2,000 and 5,000 Swiss francs. 5. Riders must “safely deposit” objects by the side of the road in specified zones Riders are required to dispose of waste, including food wrappers, feeding bags, bottles, and clothing, only within designated litter zones provided by race organisers. Waste must be deposited safely on the sides of the road within these zones and not on the roadway itself. Riders may also hand items to team cars, official vehicles, or staff responsible for feeding. Exceptions may be granted during extreme heat, subject to approval by the president of the commissaires’ panel. Throwing objects carelessly or in a manner that endangers spectators or other riders carries a fine of 200 to 1,000 Swiss francs. If the individual responsible cannot be identified, the penalty is applied to the team. 6. Riders can be banned from starting if their clothing is too innovative The UCI prohibits the use of unapproved technical innovations in clothing or equipment during competition. Items such as the Castelli Body Paint 4.0 speed suit, worn by Team Sky in the opening stage of the 2017 Tour de France, have been declared illegal. Any rider using equipment or clothing not approved by the UCI may be refused a start, eliminated from the race, or disqualified. ALSO READ: Police unveil alternative crossing points during World Championships 7. No public undressing The UCI penalises what it defines as “unseemly or inappropriate behaviour” during competition. This includes actions such as undressing or urinating in public at the start, finish, or during the race. Offenders, whether riders or other license holders, face fines ranging from 200 to 500 Swiss francs and if the individual responsible cannot be identified, the penalty is applied to the team. 8. No touching during time trials, except “in cases of imminent danger” During a team time trial in a one-day race, riders are prohibited from providing assistance to one another through nudging, guiding, or pushing, except in cases of imminent danger. Any rider involved in such an infringement is fined 500 Swiss francs, while the team incurs a penalty of one minute. 9. No spirits, tobacco or porn sponsorships The UCI enforces strict restrictions on certain types of sponsorship. Licence-holders, UCI teams, and national or international cycling competitions may not be directly or indirectly associated with brands of tobacco, spirits, pornographic products, or other products that could harm the image of the UCI or the sport. Spirits are defined as beverages with an alcohol content exceeding 15 percent, meaning that sponsorships involving beer and most wines remain permissible. 10. Riders getting a push from spectators will receive a fine During a one-day race, riders are prohibited from gaining assistance through pushing. This includes pushing off against a car, motorcycle, or another rider, as well as pushing another competitor. In addition, repeated or prolonged pushes from spectators are not permitted. Each infringement of this rule carries a fine of 200 Swiss francs for the rider involved.
