Are riders allowed radios in a road race?
A · Advanced · The road race · 3 of 5Only at some races. An earpiece linking riders to their sports director and team-mates is authorised at elite WorldTour, ProSeries and class 1 events and in time trials. Everywhere else radio links are prohibited, and so is having the equipment on the rider at all.
How it works
- The general rule: "The use of radio links or other remote means of communication by or with the riders" is prohibited during an event, and so is possessing equipment that can be used that way.
- The exceptions: elite men's and women's WorldTour, ProSeries and class 1 events. Time trial events as well.
- What is allowed there: "a secure communications and information system (the «earpiece»)".
- Who may talk: riders and the sports director, and riders of the same team.
- Power and range: no more than 5 watts, limited to the space the race occupies.
- Size: the unit may be no larger than 150 by 60 by 35 millimetres, worn on the front or back of the upper body.
- A front pocket: allowed on the jersey only to hold the radio.
- Turning up with one: an offence is committed as soon as a rider appears at an event with prohibited equipment. If it is removed before the start, the rider may start and a fine may still apply.
- The team too: a rider's offence is presumed to be the team's as well.
The glossary has the earpiece, the domestique and the breakaway.
Tricky cases
Do riders have radios at the Olympic Games road race?
No, on the list read. The exceptions are WorldTour, ProSeries and class 1 events and time trials. The Games and world championships are not among them.
Can a rider carry a phone in a jersey pocket at a race where radios are banned?
No, on the wording. Possessing any equipment that can be used for remote communication is prohibited.
Can a sports director talk to a rival team's rider over the radio?
No. Use is limited to exchanges between riders and their sports director and between riders of the same team.
Are radios allowed in every time trial?
Yes. Time trial events are one of the listed exceptions.
Why the rule exists
Radios let a team car pass on hazards and time gaps, which is why they are permitted "for safety reasons and to assist riders". They also let a director ride the race from the car, so the rule confines them to the top level and keeps other races for riders to read on their own.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Elite WorldTour, ProSeries and class 1 | Earpieces allowed | UCI 2.2.024 |
| Other road races, including junior and under-23 events | Radios prohibited | UCI 2.2.024 |
| Time trials | Earpieces allowed | UCI 2.2.024 |
| Mountain bike | Radios forbidden except at World Cups with authorisation | ../mountain-bike/ set |
From the rule book
Union Cycliste Internationale, Cycling Regulations, Part 2: Road Races (2026 edition, amendments to 1 July 2026), articles 2.2.024 and 2.2.025 bis. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: UCI Cycling Regulations, Part 2 (PDF).