Tom Pidcock takes a stand against the new technical rules that the UCI intends to introduce in 2026, arguing that cycling 'must focus on the really important issues'.

Last June, cycling's governing body announced a series of new technical regulations that include gear ratio limits (maximum 54x11), changes to handlebar width rules, new wheel depth limits, and rules on forks and seat stays.

"Limiting gears will make everything more dangerous," Pidcock said in an interview with Marca during the Arctic Race of Norway. "If we all go at the same top speed, we'll be closer together, and on the downhills, that means we'll take up more space on the road."

The Q36.5 rider also joked about the proposed measures: "The debate about handlebar width seems like a diversion to me. If we continue like this, the next step will be to restrict carbohydrates for all riders and put us in ketosis—only then will the races be slower."

Pidcock's statements align with those of Dan Bigham, Head of Engineering for the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe team, who presented a study entitled 'How gear limits will make cycling less safe' at the Science and Cycling conference.

The Briton, who is preparing for the Vuelta a España after a strong start to the season with victories at the Tour of Al Ula and a podium at Strade Bianche, concluded: "I can make a lot of progress at the Vuelta; I feel renewed. It would be great if I could improve a bit and rediscover the feeling I had at the start of the season."