UCI Rule: External Number Pinning Required

UCI Rule: External Number Pinning Required

The UCI has made a specific update for road races—and it was essential for Ventus to align with this for our racing cycling apparel. Under Article 1.3.029, “No item of clothing may hide the lettering on the jersey or the rider’s identification number… particularly in competition and at official ceremonies.”


Additionally, Article 1.3.076 requires that numbers be well fixed, visible, legible, and not folded or altered.

To comply, the UCI now requests (effective from 2024 season onward) that rider numbers be pinned on the outer layer of the jersey or skinsuit—not inserted into pockets or pinless systems.

Why It Matters

  1. Visibility for Officials and Media
    Outdoors, in changing light or rain, numbers in hidden pockets become hard to read for commissaires, photo-finish cameras, and broadcasters.

  2. Safety and Fair Play
    Loose or glazed-over numbers can flap off or block key visibility—creating unfair race incidents or timing errors.

  3. Regulatory Risk
    Although described as a “kind request” now, noncompliance may lead to yellow cards or penalties in pro races.

Implications for Ventus Apparel

1. We Revaluate Design for Skinsuits & Racing Jerseys

If current Ventus designs use pinless number pockets or envelopes, those must be phased out for UCI road-race compliance. Instead, ensure garments provide a plain outer fabric layer without obstructive seams or flaps where pins will go.

2. Material & Panel Placement

Position seams, prints, or branding away from the number zone. The lower back panel should stay smooth and flat. Pulling fabric tight across logos or silicone grippers near the bottom edge could distort pinned numbers, making numbers less legible.

3. Number Pin Reinforcement

Consider reinforcing number zones with slightly thicker or more durable fabric. This helps prevent tearing when pins pierce the material. But keep the fabric aero—not bulky.

4. Testing & Fit Checks

Test with real pinned numbers. Ask riders or ambassadors to pin a race number through the skinsuit to evaluate how it sits and if any bunching, stretch, or tearing occurs. Make fit adjustments accordingly.

Summary Table: Impact Breakdown

Area Implication for Ventus
Number system Discontinue pinless pockets
Garment back construction Keep flat smooth lower back panel
Fabric reinforcement Strengthen number zone subtly
Pattern & seam layout Avoid seams in pin areas
Testing Pro riders pin test garment prototypes
Customer education Update copy & pinning how-to visuals

 

UCI does specify the dimensions for race numbers in its official regulations. These dimensions are standardized to ensure visibility for judges, timing systems, and broadcasters.

Here are the key specifications:

UCI Race Number Dimensions

1. Back Number (Standard Road Races)

  • Size: 16 cm high × 18 cm wide

  • Must be placed horizontally on the rider’s lower back.

  • Printed in black digits on a white background, or the reverse if visibility requires.

2. Side Numbers (Optional or for Specific Races)

  • Size: 16 cm high × 16 cm wide

  • Typically attached to the left and/or right side of the jersey or bibs.

  • Same color and visibility rules apply.

3. Time Trial / Track Events (Frame Numbers)

  • Riders may also have a frame number in some disciplines. These are much smaller (around 10 × 8 cm), attached to the seatpost or rear triangle.

Additional UCI Guidelines

  • Legibility is key: The number must remain visible and not be folded or distorted.

  • Only official numbers provided by organizers are allowed—riders cannot make their own.

  • No modifications: Cutting, resizing, or altering the number is not permitted.

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